The defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris, along with the loss of the Senate and the inability to regain control of the House of Representatives, has made one thing clear: the Democratic Party must adopt a new agenda to secure future victories. The current approach, used by Democrats for much of the past decade, has proven ineffective. It has alienated the party’s base and risks consigning it to minority status for the foreseeable future.
To appeal to the “vast American middle,” as defined by the political action committee Third Way, Democrats need to establish a middle ground between the progressive far-left and the Republican Party. This means rejecting far-left policies such as divisive wealth redistribution, extreme climate mandates, and the dismissal of America’s global values and alliances.
Middle-ground policies urged to win back the American electorate
Similarly, the country would benefit from a Democratic Party that presents itself as a credible, centrist alternative to Republicans, with a practical approach to addressing the economy, immigration, and counteracting Republicans’ isolationist tendencies. Democrats need to realign their agenda to better represent the majority of American voters.
A new agenda should prioritize the economy, immigration reform, smaller government, working-class empowerment, healthcare improvements, and a commitment to global leadership that uses U.S. power for good.
When it comes to the economy, Democrats must create and clearly communicate a plan focused on reducing government burden, cutting taxes, and addressing the federal spending crisis. By doing so, Democrats can begin to rectify a critical error that likely cost them the 2024 election: their failure to connect with everyday people and explain their economic policies effectively.
Throughout President Biden’s term, despite rising inflation and stagnant wages, he and Harris maintained that the economy was strong, leaving voters feeling disconnected from their reality. A similar scenario revealed with Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
As the advocacy group No Labels has pointed out, leaders must act to solve economic challenges before they escalate into unmanageable crises, urging Washington to curb its excessive spending. Democrats need to develop their own plan, as they have long been associated with supporting a bloated federal government, especially as Republicans, under Trump, have taken a firm stance against wasteful spending.
Polls before and after the election made it clear that Democrats’ approach to immigration and border security is flawed and must be revised. Stronger border security, along with practical immigration reforms, including citizenship pathways for migrants already in the country, are crucial.
Voters are increasingly rejecting the progressives’ open-border stance, and while many Americans support legal immigration, the unchecked flow of migrants under Biden-Harris proved overwhelming. Unfortunately, Harris only began addressing the issue too late in the election, by which point polls had shown how important it was to moderates, and the damage was done.
A middle ground approach on immigration and border security is not only possible but necessary. Democrats can support deportations of illegal immigrants, particularly those convicted of crimes, without resorting to military involvement, while simultaneously creating pathways to citizenship for those who pay taxes and contribute to society.
No Labels advocates for recognizing America’s identity as both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants, calling for immediate border control and citizenship for DREAMers.
Moderates demand Democrats prioritize unity and pragmatic leadership
The party also needs to reevaluate its stance on crime, distancing itself from far-left policies. Public concerns about crime and policing played a remarkable role in the 2024 election, and voters clearly signaled a desire for a return to center-left policies.
In California, even in deep-blue areas, voters supported measures that toughened criminal penalties and voted out progressive district attorneys who were seen as lenient on crime. Finally, Democrats must reposition themselves as the party of the working class. This involves supporting vocational training, school choice, charter schools, and a strong commitment to reforming the healthcare system.
In recent years, Democrats have become associated with the Ivy League elite, forgetting their working-class roots. The 2024 election showed the consequences of this shift, as Trump made gains with working-class voters, particularly Black and Hispanic men.
To remedy this, Democrats should prioritize funding for vocational and trade schools, recognizing that the American Dream remains out of reach for many without the right job training. Similarly, improving Obamacare should be a priority, balancing affordable copays with high-quality care.
These are the foundational steps Democrats must take to maintain political relevance. The 2024 election highlighted the need for a shift back to the core issues that resonate with most Americans.
