Reflections on the 2025 Election and Future Strategies for Democrats
The results of the 2025 elections highlight a significant anti-Trump movement. This moment could shape the Democratic Party’s approach for upcoming elections in 2026 and 2028. Should they concentrate solely on opposing Trump, or is it time to channel this momentum into an inspiring economic vision that resonates with voters?
To illustrate, consider the metaphor of a car. For a while now, Democrats seem to be running low on gas, stalling out occasionally. Their popularity has been dwindling, the brand has taken a hit. Trump handed them just enough gas – about a quarter tank, perhaps. On election night, they sped from New York to New Jersey to Virginia to California, and it felt invigorating.
But that’s the dilemma. Can the Democratic Party keep this momentum going? Will they rise again in a new political era, or could they find themselves losing to candidates like J.D. Vance and other potential authoritarians down the line? It’s a choice between regaining lost favor by promoting an inspiring vision or risking a retreat into irrelevance.
During my interactions with voters in New York leading up to the election, I was close by as Zoran Mamdani gave an emotional victory speech. The people I spoke with and the volunteers I observed weren’t just relieved to have won against the so-called “bad guys.” They felt a genuine inspiration. Young and working-class voters, from various backgrounds, were not simply “dragged to the polls,” as some might suggest. Instead, they were excited about the potential changes a victory could bring to their lives.
Mamdani stood out as a prominent candidate capable of building this kind of movement. The anti-Trump energy also uplifted some less charismatic candidates, such as New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D). Yet, the supporters of these more subdued candidates often lack long-term commitment. Sure, a dull candidate might keep Trump out of office for now, but that won’t provide lasting support for the Democratic Party’s future.
The previous two election cycles reveal the hazards of short-sightedness. In 2006, House Democrats, led by former Rep. Rahm Emanuel, leaned towards bland candidates instead of those who could invigorate the party. Many winners in Congress then seemed to govern out of fear, taking unpopular stances on issues like healthcare, and avoided discussing contentious topics.
As a result, many faced defeat in 2010 when voter sentiment shifted. An exception was current Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who captured the House nomination in 2006, initially flying under Emanuel’s radar. He succeeded by addressing economic issues affecting working and middle-class people and criticizing Republican tax cuts benefiting Wall Street. This approach helped solidify his reputation leading into 2010.
In 2022, Democrats, perhaps learning the wrong lessons from their unexpected success, mistakenly assumed a positive trajectory meant continued popularity. This led former President Joe Biden to pursue re-election, believing he was safe. Others thought inflation wasn’t a pressing concern for voters—only to realize in 2024 how miscalculated that view was.
As Democrats head towards the 2026 election cycle, they have a critical chance to sidestep past errors. Instead of resting on the recent victories that arrived alongside a notable government shutdown, they should gather around candidates with courageous, economic populist ideas capable of uniting diverse demographics in battleground states.
Take Dan Osborne, a candidate for the Nebraska Senate in 2024. He gained a 14-point lead over Kamala Harris in a historically red state, presenting a clear message advocating for working people and taking a stand against corporations. His latest campaign raised a notable $1.09 million, compared to the $884,011 raised by Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts.
Then there’s Graham Platner, a Maine oyster farmer challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He built a strong grassroots movement and attracted large crowds, often in spite of negative media coverage from establishment sources concerned about his candidacy. His compelling message resonated with many who usually don’t get that from mainstream politicians.
According to New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg, the turnout at one of his events was exceptional. In a town of about 2,300, the crowded venue was overflowing with enthusiastic supporters—something rarely seen in politics, as noted by a former mayor.
Voters are not showing up simply because of Trump. They connect with Platner’s message of economic equity, which contradicts typical political narratives. Democrats need to push for bold structural changes, reminiscent of the significant victories achieved with Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. To reclaim that legacy, the party must take the initiative. No one else will save them.
As the 2026 primaries approach, Democratic voters are at a crossroads. They can select candidates who may lead to promising beginnings but potentially disastrous conclusions in the face of rising authoritarianism. Alternatively, they could embrace a dynamic economic populist candidate, prioritizing the needs of workers and pushing aside billionaires and rigid political structures. This choice will undoubtedly shape the future of the country.
