Nearly 60% of Gen Z voters favor increasing federal spending on childcare, more than any other age group surveyed in a new poll by The 19th and YouGov. The finding comes as childcare costs remain a major household expense for families across the United States.
The poll found that 52% of U.S. adults overall support increasing federal childcare spending. Support was higher among Democrats, at 73%, than among independents, at 50%, and Republicans, at 38%.
| Group | Support for more federal childcare spending |
|---|---|
| Gen Z voters | Nearly 60% |
| Millennial voters | 49% |
| U.S. adults overall | 52% |
| Democrats | 73% |
| Independents | 50% |
| Republicans | 38% |
Childcare costs affect household budgets
The United States spends about $12.4 billion on childcare each year, with most of that money used to subsidize care for families with very low incomes. The 19th reported that the structure of that spending leaves most American families without those benefits.
Families pay an average of $13,000 a year for childcare, although prices vary by state. An analysis by Child Care Aware, a childcare advocacy group, found that center-based care for two children costs more than the median annual rent payment in 47 states and more than the median annual mortgage payment in 39 states.
The poll found that Gen Z voters were more supportive of additional federal spending than millennials, among whom 49% favored an increase. The 19th described the economy, affordability and costs as top concerns for Gen Z voters.
Childcare enters the 2026 campaign debate
The cost of care has become part of the affordability debate during the 2026 midterm election cycle. Numerous Democratic campaigns have included childcare proposals in their platforms, while some Republicans in Congress have also embraced the issue, The 19th reported.
Among all voters surveyed, 38% said Democrats were doing a better job addressing childcare costs. 19% said Republicans were doing a better job. The poll also connected childcare concerns with the results of several 2025 state and local races involving candidates who campaigned on childcare policies, including races in New York, New Jersey and Virginia.
The findings measure public views on federal childcare spending rather than changes to current programs. They also show how the cost of care is being considered alongside other expenses by younger voters as candidates discuss affordability during the 2026 election cycle.
