OPINION

Rebuilding the Democratic Party: A Grassroots Approach

USAFri Dec 06 2024
Over the past few decades, the Democratic Party has been losing ground in so-called "red" states and rural communities. This is partly because national Democrats have been pulling support from these areas, leaving local parties feeling neglected. In 2022, Democrats didn't even run candidates in 51% of partisan races, allowing Republicans to win unopposed. This has hurt the party's image, making it seem out of touch. To fix this, the party needs to invest in year-round organizing and candidate development in all 50 states. Contest Every Race (CER) has been doing this since 2021, with success stories like blocking a Republican supermajority in North Carolina and flipping Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, to blue. The key is supporting local Democratic candidates and county parties. They're the ones closest to the communities, and they can build trust and boost votes. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) can help by providing resources and tools. It's not just about elections; it's about being present and making a difference in people's lives. This approach can help Democrats regain lost ground and build a stronger party.

questions

    How can the Democratic Party ensure sustained investment in 'red' states and rural communities to prevent the erosion of their brand?
    If the DNC was a movie, what genre would it be and who would play the lead roles?
    What role do county parties play in re-energizing rural communities around Democratic policies and values?

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