Republicans face a challenge heading toward 2028: Some of their voters are losing confidence in the party. Still, BlazeTV host Nick Freitas and Citizens Alliance CEO Cliff Maloney say it’s too soon to give up.
Maloney argues that preparations for the next presidential election need to start now. The primary season, he says, is already effectively underway, and candidates and their supporters should be planning ahead.
He believes the 2024 election showed how much voters value authenticity. People want candidates who can speak to them plainly and seem genuine, Maloney told Freitas. He thinks that point was reinforced in 2026, as some Republicans stayed home or shifted their votes to Democrats because they felt their own party wasn’t being authentic.
Democratic voters, meanwhile, were energized by anger and fear, Maloney said. Those emotions remain powerful forces in politics. For anyone considering a run—or trying to recruit a candidate—his advice is to prioritize being genuine.
Maloney also sees an opening in the midterm losses. The districts that changed hands could become competitive seats in 2028, he said, and some other districts remain within reach as well.
He urged people with strong principles to step forward and do the work, arguing that a loss shouldn’t be a reason to walk away. Liberty, he said, is worth fighting for. The country isn’t lost unless people give up, and continued effort could still make a difference.
