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n a typical off‑year election, voters focused on state and local contests, yet the results delivered clear gains for housing affordability, new construction and tax relief. Across the nation, ballots included high‑profile races such as the New York City mayoral contest, gubernatorial battles, and numerous local initiatives. The real‑estate sector celebrated as voters largely approved measures aimed at easing the housing crisis and broadening homeownership opportunities, with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Advocacy playing a pivotal role.

    Through its Issues Mobilization Program, NAR grants state and local REALTOR® groups to run targeted advocacy campaigns. A notable success was New York City Ballot Proposal 3, which streamlined the review of modest housing and infrastructure projects, cutting approval times. The proposal captured more than 55 % of the vote, aided by all four NYC REALTOR® associations and other real‑estate and affordable‑housing allies. In Texas, NAR backed three property‑tax‑relief propositions that all passed with 67–82 % support. Nationwide, 14 of 17 NAR‑supported initiatives won, and the organization’s positions have prevailed in 18 of 21 races so far in 2025.

    NAR also backs pro‑housing candidates through independent expenditures—advertising and organizing funds that operate separately from campaign teams. In 2024, several mayoral races saw such candidates triumph: Atlanta’s Andre Dickens secured 85 % of the vote, while St. Paul’s Kaohly Her emphasized affordable housing in her successful bid. Looking ahead, NAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn aims to sustain the 97 % win rate of NAR‑endorsed congressional candidates as the 2026 midterms approach.