Older Wisconsin Voters Prioritize Caregiving, Social Security

Half of surveyed older voters are family caregivers, and most say Social Security protection would sway their vote.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Eldercare

Empty weathered rocking chair on a farmhouse porch facing an open golden field in warm late-afternoon light. — Wisconsin voters 50 and older, many of them family caregivers, say protecting Social Security and Medicare will weigh heavily as they head into the Nov. 3 midterm election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would a candidate's plan to protect Social Security make you more likely to vote for them?

AARP Wisconsin surveyed voters in the state's most competitive congressional districts ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election. Older voters' top concerns include rising living costs, Social Security, Medicare, and taxes, and many say caregiving is shaping their priorities.

Why it matters

Older voters are a large share of the electorate, and their stated priorities point to Social Security, Medicare, and family caregiving as central campaign issues in Wisconsin's competitive races. The poll offers a snapshot of what motivates these voters as they head to the polls.

AARP Wisconsin surveyed voters in the state's most competitive congressional districts, with about 21% of voters 50 and older identified as persuadable at the time of the poll. Half of older voters surveyed reported being or having become family caregivers, and nearly 80% said they would be more likely to support a candidate offering tax credits for unpaid caregivers.

The players

AARP Wisconsin

The state chapter of AARP, the nonprofit advocacy organization focused on issues affecting adults 50 and older, including health care, retirement security, and caregiving.

Rebecca Cooke

Democratic candidate in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District who has proposed repealing taxes on Social Security benefits and expanding Medicare coverage.

Derrick Van Orden

Republican U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District who voted for President Donald Trump's tax-and-spending law.

The details

Respondents were asked what motivates them as they head to the polls, and their answers centered on the cost of living, Social Security and Medicare, and taxes. Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke has proposed repealing taxes on Social Security benefits and expanding Medicare coverage, while Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., voted for President Donald Trump's tax-and-spending law. Wisconsin's roughly 1 million family caregivers provide about $11 billion in unpaid caregiving each year.

Nov. 3: Wisconsin midterm election voting day.

Health Landscape

Family caregiving is a large and largely unpaid part of the long-term care system, and Wisconsin's roughly 1 million caregivers supply about $11 billion in unpaid care each year. Policy proposals such as caregiver tax credits and changes to Medicare and Social Security are now being framed around that caregiving load.

If you are caring for an older relative, the poll's caregiving findings are a reminder to ask your own doctor or care team about the support and resources available to you. Caregiving strain is common, so it is worth discussing your own health and stress levels with a clinician.

The takeaway

Roughly half of older voters surveyed are or have been family caregivers, a role that carries substantial health and financial weight. If caregiving is affecting your own health, talk with your physician about support options.