Older Wisconsin Voters Prioritize Social Security, Caregivers

Owners of unpaid family caregiving roles and retirees in Wisconsin's 3rd District are weighing Social Security and tax-credit proposals before the Nov. 3 vote.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Eldercare

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a worn wooden armchair beside a folded knitted blanket in a quiet room with soft autumn window light. — Older Wisconsin voters are weighing Social Security protection and tax credits for unpaid family caregivers before the November 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. The poll found older voters are weighing rising living costs, Social Security, Medicare, and taxes as they head to the polls.

Why it matters

Older voters are a large share of Wisconsin's electorate, and their priorities on household costs, retirement benefits, and caregiving are shaping how candidates in close races position their platforms. The findings show these issues are driving turnout decisions among residents who are still persuadable.

Half of older voters surveyed are or have become family caregivers, and Wisconsin's 1 million family caregivers provide about $11 billion in unpaid caregiving every year. 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.

The players

AARP Wisconsin

The state arm of AARP, the national nonprofit that advocates for adults 50 and older on Social Security, Medicare, and caregiving issues.

Rebecca Cooke

Democratic candidate in Wisconsin's 3rd 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 District who voted for President Donald Trump's tax-and-spending law.

The details

AARP Wisconsin asked voters in the state's most competitive congressional districts what motivates them as they head to the polls. The survey sorted respondents by age, and voters 50 and older were measured against their openness to switching candidates, with about 21% identified as persuadable. Respondents then rated policy positions, and the strongest response came on Social Security protection, where 85% said they are more likely to back a candidate who would protect it from cuts. Caregiving came up as well, with nearly 80% of older adults saying tax credits for unpaid family caregivers would make them more likely to support a candidate.

Nov. 3: Wisconsin midterm election voting day.

The Home Front

Older voters' focus on Social Security, Medicare, and tax policy reflects the same household cost pressures that shape housing and eldercare decisions across Wisconsin. The caregiver-credit results point to a growing reliance on unpaid family care as a substitute for paid services.

If you are caring for an older relative, track whether any tax-credit proposals for unpaid family caregivers advance after the election. Keep a record of caregiving costs and time, since documentation will matter if credits or benefits become available.

The takeaway

Caregiving costs and retirement benefits are now central voting issues for Wisconsin's older residents. If you provide family care, start a simple log of unpaid hours and out-of-pocket expenses so you are prepared if caregiver tax credits become law.