Democrats worry they may be taking the wrong lesson from recent wins

Democrats are winning races — and even redistricting battles — but some in the party worry they’re not yet winning the argument. 

Recent victories —from a gubernatorial win in New Jersey to a favorable redistricting outcome this week in Virginia, along with a string of special election overperformances — have given Democrats reason for confidence. 

Heading into the midterms later this year, they say they’re on solid footing to win the House, and there’s newfound optimism that they could also flip the Senate — something that appeared insurmountable just weeks ago.  

But the success has also prompted a quieter concern inside the party: that Democrats are misreading what those wins actually signal.

In interviews with The Hill, Democrats warned that some in their party may be mistaking backlash against President Trump for support of their policies and rhetoric. 

“Highlighting Trump’s failures will be enough to make Democrats competitive in 2026, but it is not enough to win back real power in 2028,” said Democratic strategist Joel Payne. “Democrats who are actually clear-eyed understand this. 

“There has to be a real plan that individual candidates, and the party as a whole, represents that is separate from a Donald Trump contrast for a sustainable, long-term success,” Payne added. 

Democratic strategist Basil Smikle agreed, adding that Democrats “will need to actually offer clear policy alternatives going forward.”

“They have to build a world for voters to choose,” Smikle added. 

Democrats........

© The Hill