REALTOR® Advocacy in Action: Gina Madeya Attends the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Gina Madeya recently joined REALTORS® from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, an annual gathering where members of the National Association of REALTORS® come together to advocate for policies that impact homeowners, buyers, sellers, property owners, and local communities.

For Gina, this event was more than a professional conference. It was an opportunity to be part of important conversations about housing supply, affordability, property rights, tax policy, and the future of homeownership.

Why REALTORS® Go to Washington, D.C.

Every year, REALTORS® travel to the nation’s capital to meet with lawmakers, attend policy discussions, and advocate for issues that directly affect the real estate market and the people they serve.

These conversations matter because decisions made at the federal level can have a real impact on local housing markets, including here in Kirkland, the Eastside, and throughout Washington state. Housing inventory, tax policy, financing, fair housing, property rights, and pathways to homeownership all affect buyers, sellers, and communities.

The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings give real estate professionals the opportunity to share what they are seeing in the market every day and help lawmakers better understand how proposed policies may affect homeowners and consumers.

Gina’s Role as a Federal Political Coordinator

During her time in Washington, D.C., Gina visited Senator Maria Cantwell’s office. Gina serves as NAR’s Federal Political Coordinator for Senator Cantwell, a leadership role that helps connect REALTOR® advocacy with federal decision-makers.

Federal Political Coordinators serve as a direct resource for members of Congress by sharing insight from the real estate industry, local housing markets, and the communities REALTORS® serve. It is an important way to help ensure that housing policy discussions include real-world perspective from professionals who work directly with buyers, sellers, and homeowners.

Recognized for Commitment and Advocacy

Gina was also recognized during the event for her continued commitment, investments, and support of REALTOR® advocacy, by being inducted into the Realtor PAC (RPAC) hall of fame. In true Gina fashion, she brought energy and personality to the moment with a cartwheel across the stage.

Behind the fun moment is a deeper commitment to showing up, staying involved, and supporting policies that protect private property rights and expand housing opportunity.

What NAR Advocates For

The National Association of REALTORS® advocates for policies that support homeowners, property owners, real estate professionals, and communities across the country.

NAR’s advocacy work includes issues such as:

• Protecting private property rights

• Supporting homeownership opportunities

• Expanding housing supply

• Addressing housing affordability

• Promoting fair housing

• Advocating for responsible tax policy

• Supporting the value of professional real estate representation

These issues are especially important in communities where inventory remains limited, affordability is a challenge, and buyers and sellers are navigating a changing market.

The More Homes on the Market Act

One of the key issues connected to NAR’s current advocacy work is the More Homes on the Market Act.

Under current federal tax law, qualifying homeowners may exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, or up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. These thresholds were set decades ago and have not kept pace with the significant increase in home values in many parts of the country.

As home values have risen, some long-time homeowners may hesitate to sell because doing so could create a large tax burden. When homeowners stay in place because of tax concerns, fewer homes come on the market. That can further limit inventory and make it harder for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizers, and families to find the right home. In the state of Washington, 64% of homeowners have an equity tax exposure, second highest behind the state of Hawaii.  The data suggests that current homeowners have amassed approximately $408K in equity, with projections by 2030 rising to $658K and a staggering $952K by 2035 all of which contribute to a seller “locked in” effect in an effort to avoid a huge tax hit.

The More Homes on the Market Act is designed to help address this issue by increasing the capital gains exclusion and indexing it for inflation going forward. The goal is to reduce a tax-related barrier that may be keeping some homeowners from selling, while helping bring more housing inventory into the market.

Why This Matters Locally

Although these conversations happen in Washington, D.C., the impact is local.

Housing supply, affordability, tax policy, and property rights affect real people and real communities. For buyers, more inventory can mean more opportunity. For sellers, updated tax policy may create more flexibility. For communities, thoughtful housing policy helps support stability, mobility, and long-term economic health.

Gina’s involvement in REALTOR® advocacy reflects her ongoing commitment to serving her clients, her community, and the broader housing conversation.