NAHB Podcast: Changing Dynamics in the 2024 Election
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson to discuss the latest political news.
Coulson recently attended the Republican National Convention with NAHB Chairman Carl Harris and First Vice Chairman Buddy Hughes, as well as NAHB VP of Government Affairs Scott Meyer and BUILD-PAC Director Meredith Wimbrow. The senior officers had the opportunity to talk housing with federal elected officials, as well as a special closing session with former President Trump and vice presidential candidate, Sen. JD Vance.
“Carl spent some time with Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and with Majority Leader Steve Scalise as well,” Coulson noted. “So we had a really good opportunity to talk about our place in the world and why housing is so important to the economy and some of the things that are keeping our builders up at night.”
Following the convention, President Biden’s announcement to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee has changed the landscape for the 2024 election. Tobin, Lopez and Coulson weighed in on what to expect in this election cycle, including potential campaign tactics for Vice President Kamala Harris, who might be the Democratic vice presidential nominee, and the significance of Biden’s announcement.
“They just threw out the sitting president of the United States from re-election over a bad debate performance,” Tobin stated. “If you think about that, it’s stunning.”
Carl Harris and Buddy Hughes will be on the road again in a few weeks to attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and NAHB will continue to campaign for pro-housing efforts through the August recess and leading up to elections in November.
Listen to the full episode below, and subscribe to Housing Development through your favorite podcast provider or watch all the episodes on YouTube.
Latest from NAHBNow
Mar 11, 2026
Emerging Leader Grant Opens the Door to National Leadership for More MembersIs a member leader at your HBA planning to attend their first NAHB leadership meeting this spring? Encourage them to apply for the NAHB Emerging Leader Grant. Applications are due April 20.
Mar 11, 2026
Podcast: Massive Win in Battle Over Federal Energy Code MandatesOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome VP of Legal Advocacy Tom Ward to discuss the impact of the recent court decision on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final determination to impose the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 standard on certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.
Latest Economic News
Mar 11, 2026
Inflation Steady Before WarAfter months of downward trend, inflation held steady at an eight-month low in February. This report does not reflect the recent surge in oil prices due to Iran conflict beginning February 28. Higher oil prices will likely translate into higher gasoline costs and impact other sectors associated with transportation including airline tickets.
Mar 11, 2026
Single-Family Permits End 2025 on a Soft NoteSingle-family permitting softened over the course of 2025 and finished the year weaker than the prior year. After showing some resilience in 2024, permitting activity gradually lost momentum as elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability constraints weighed on buyer demand.
Mar 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Rose in FebruaryFollowing the sharp decline last month, existing home sales bounced back in February as housing affordability improved. Lower mortgage rates and moderating home price growth helped pull buyers back to the market. However, tight inventory will likely continue to push home prices higher if demand outpaces supply growth.