Democrats celebrate election wins. Regaining power will be harder

November 7, 2025

The Democratic Party is experiencing renewed optimism following three significant election victories this week, where candidates with vastly different ideological approaches—a democratic socialist in New York, a moderate former CIA agent in Virginia, and an anti-Trump Navy veteran in New Jersey—all won their races. Despite these wins, the party remains deeply fractured over whether to pursue left-wing populism or centrist moderation as they prepare for the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race. After losing millions of registered voters and hitting a 35-year low in popularity, Democrats are trying to rebuild by focusing messaging on affordability and cost-of-living issues rather than cultural debates.

Who is affected

The Democratic Party as an institution
Democratic voters and the 4.5 million registered voters lost to Republicans between 2020-2024
Three winning candidates: Zohran Mamdani (New York), Abigail Spanberger (Virginia), and Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey)
Working class voters, racial minorities, and young voters who shifted away from Democrats
Federal workers in Virginia affected by Trump's government cuts
Millions of Americans experiencing interrupted food stamps during the government shutdown
Americans facing rising healthcare premiums and inflation
Republican Party and President Trump
Younger Democratic candidates representing a generational shift

What action is being taken

Democrats are focusing their messaging on lowering costs and addressing the affordability crisis
Trump is summoning Republican senators to discuss ending the government shutdown
The Democratic National Committee is working to localize economic messaging
Run for Something has launched a $50 million plan to rebuild faith in Democrats in areas where they've lost ground
Saikat Chakrabarti is challenging the political establishment by running for office to recruit new candidates
Democrats are holding firm on healthcare messaging during the shutdown battle
Republicans are seizing on Mamdani's victory to characterize Democrats as communist

Why it matters

This moment represents a critical inflection point for the Democratic Party's future direction and viability as a national political force. With the party at a 35-year low in popularity and having lost significant voter support across key demographics, these election victories demonstrate that no single ideological approach dominates, creating both opportunity and confusion about the path forward. The party's ability to regain voter trust and establish a coherent economic message around affordability will determine whether they can reclaim congressional power in 2026 and the presidency in 2028. The generational divide within Democratic leadership and the ongoing debate between left-wing populism and centrist moderation will shape American politics for years to come, particularly as Trump's economic policies continue to impact voters' daily lives.

What's next

The 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats hope to retake at least one chamber of Congress
Democrats will focus primarily on Trump's economy during the 2026 midterms
Primary elections in the coming year and leading up to 2028 will determine the party's ideological path
The 2028 presidential race will force Democrats to select a standard-bearer and platform, requiring them to choose between left-wing and centrist approaches
Run for Something will continue implementing its $50 million plan to recruit new Democratic candidates and rebuild the party brand

Read full article from source: BBC