On the campaign trail, President Trump made a variety of promises. He aimed to bolster the economy, streamline government processes, and cut costs. However, after more than a hundred days in office, the economy hasn’t shown improvement, efficiency remains an issue, and costs are still rising.
His administration has dragged us into a trade conflict with key partners—one that has significantly impacted markets, leading to a loss of around $10 trillion. This situation threatens businesses, particularly farms in my district and nationwide.
Additionally, there’s been an aggressive push to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” within the federal government, led by the Efficiency Ministry.
I believe Americans voted for Trump because they wanted decisive action to rectify existing problems. Yet, his approach isn’t yielding results, which is where the new Democratic Coalition steps in.
Before delving deeper, I want to acknowledge that Democrats aren’t perfect. We witnessed a significant number of working-class voters drifting away during the elections.
At times, our focus on topics like identity politics and “saving democracy” overshadowed pressing economic issues that really affect people’s daily lives. Instead of engaging with voters where they are, we sometimes come off as though we are dictating their priorities, which can create a sense of elitism and detachment.
Working-class individuals often prioritize how to afford basic necessities or plan for their children’s education—more so than abstract discussions about the nation.
Don’t misunderstand me; the threats to democracy are real and urgent, especially with leaders showing little regard for courts or the constitution. To truly safeguard democracy, we need to expand our coalition and connect with more voters, which means addressing their concerns instead of imposing our definitions of what’s important.
We need to tackle the real issues that keep people awake at night.
The new Democratic Coalition has always centered on this. We are focused on the needs of hardworking Americans over political maneuvering in Washington, and we recognize the necessity of enhancing government efficiency while fostering bipartisan collaboration.
Our goal is to create a constructive agenda that not only aims for a majority in the House in 2026 but also ensures longevity in our efforts.
Thus, we are launching a new series called “New Dems on the Road.”
Through this initiative, we gather essential feedback and engage with communities nationwide, addressing everything from improving education to bolstering national security while seeking practical solutions that mirror American values and priorities.
The kickoff focused on immigration, a persistent issue at the forefront of many Americans’ minds. We’ve made strides towards bipartisan solutions, but selfish interests have often derailed our progress at crucial moments.
Representatives like Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and Lou Correa (D-Calif) are integral to our new Dem immigration and Border Security Working Group. I recently had a discussion about immigration with Arizona leaders, including various stakeholders, to underline its importance to Arizona’s economy. We highlighted the need for secure borders and comprehensive reform policies.
It was a valuable experience that demonstrated our commitment to listening to the community.
We recognize we don’t know everything, which is why we need authentic local voices to guide our work—those who face these issues daily.
Then I participated in a meeting with Scott Peters (D-Calif) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) to discuss clean energy and potential areas for bipartisan cooperation.
We addressed the cuts to clean energy tax credits made by the Trump administration, which will undoubtedly lead to higher utility bills for many.
Furthermore, we explored future reforms, focusing on carbon capture and ways to reduce costs for those trying to maintain energy supply.
Recently, representatives like Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) engaged directly with Delaware residents about family medical leave, marking just the start of our initiative. We plan to hold at least nine more “New Dems” events across the country.
It’s essential we share ideas and forge new pathways. We need to tackle pressing issues, from supporting single mothers with childcare expenses to helping farmers access new markets or ensuring good public education for families.
We must all be dedicated to discovering effective methods to better serve the public, which is not merely a partisan issue, but one of common sense. Real progress calls for thoughtful strategies instead of reckless cuts.
Simplistically slashing budgets won’t eliminate waste—it’s contrary to what the government is designed to do, which is to serve its citizens.
The new Democrats fully grasp this. We recognize the need for a meaningful response and an inspiring agenda, rather than maintaining the status quo.
The community has entrusted us with the responsibility to act, solve issues, and improve lives. Now more than ever, it’s vital for Democrats to show that we can deliver on these expectations.
