On Tuesday night, Democrats and progressives had a lot to celebrate as they swept the elections across the country. From governor races to state legislatures, they made significant gains and sent a clear message to the current administration. But as the dust settles and the victory parties wind down, the question on everyone’s mind is, “what’s next?”
Maurice Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party, and Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, sat down to discuss the lessons learned from Tuesday night and how Democrats and progressives can use this momentum to prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
One of the biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s elections was the power of grassroots organizing. Mitchell highlighted the importance of investing in local and state races, saying “we have to build a bench of candidates from the bottom up.” This means not just focusing on national races, but also putting resources into state and local races that often have a direct impact on people’s daily lives.
Litman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Democrats and progressives to “invest in infrastructure and build a pipeline of candidates.” Run for Something, a grassroots organization that helps recruit and support young, progressive candidates, saw over 100 of their endorsed candidates win on Tuesday night. This is a testament to the power of investing in the next generation of leaders.
Another key lesson from Tuesday night was the importance of diversity and representation. Litman noted that “we need to make sure our elected officials reflect the diversity of our country.” This includes not just racial and ethnic diversity, but also diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Mitchell added, “we need our candidates to be authentic and rooted in their communities.”
The victories of Danica Roem, the first openly transgender woman elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates, and Ravi Bhalla, the first Sikh mayor in New Jersey, are just a few examples of the importance of diversity in our elected officials. As Mitchell said, “when we have diverse candidates, we have better outcomes.”
But the road ahead for Democrats and progressives is not without challenges. Litman noted that “the gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics of the Republican party still pose a huge threat.” This is why it’s important for Democrats and progressives to not only focus on winning elections, but also on fighting for fair and equal voting processes.
Mitchell also emphasized the need for Democrats and progressives to have a clear message and a bold vision for the future. “We need to be clear on what we stand for and what we are fighting for,” he said. This means not just criticizing the current administration, but also offering concrete solutions and policies that will improve the lives of everyday Americans.
As we look towards the upcoming midterm elections, Litman and Mitchell both stressed the importance of staying organized and mobilized. “We need to stay focused on our goals and continue to build power at the local level,” said Litman. Mitchell added, “we need to keep the energy and momentum going.”
The victories on Tuesday night have shown that Democrats and progressives have the potential to make significant gains in the upcoming elections. But it will take hard work, dedication, and a united front to make it happen. Litman and Mitchell’s discussion serves as a reminder that we must continue to invest in grassroots organizing, diversity, and a clear message in order to see real change in our government.
In the words of Mitchell, “we have to keep pushing, keep fighting, and keep organizing.” As Democrats and progressives, we must use the lessons learned from Tuesday night to propel us forward and continue to make a positive impact in our communities and our country. The future is in our hands, and it’s up to us to make it a bright one.
