Midterm elections in the United States are fast approaching, and the Democratic Party is still recalibrating following former Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential election. While two years remain until the next election for the presidency, there are many races — local, statewide and congressional — between now and 2028 that could grant Democrats inroads against the policies of President Donald Trump’s second administration, as well as the ability to establish lasting influence beyond Trump.
Congressional primary elections have yet to take place in many states, including Michigan, so the candidates the Democratic Party will run in the general elections are not yet determined. In the meantime, the party has conflicting ideas as to what types of candidates they should invest in.
Of course, the image of an ideal candidate will fluctuate across election cycles, and it won’t be the same in every district and state. Generally though, while the Trump administration holds office, it is the most advantageous time for Democrats to invest in progressive candidates — especially in local and state-level races. At this moment, progressive candidates are better equipped to reliably mobilize a coalition than more cautious, moderate candidates.
Record-low approval of the Trump administration provides an opportunity for Democrats. Political sentiments swing like pendulums, most often in opposition to the party of power. President Trump’s approval among demographics key to his 2024 success has dwindled (notably among Hispanic voters and even registered Republican voters, due in large part to mass deportations and affordability, respectively). Additionally, key issues Trump campaigned on — notably the costs of gas and groceries — have not improved and, in some instances, have worsened. With conditions and approval ratings becoming more favorable toward progressives, it is time for Democrats to promote these candidates.
Since Trump is losing support and there’s no clear Republican figurehead to mobilize the electorate, Trump-aligned candidates and the Republican party are losing approval; as recently as 2025, we’ve seen Republicans underperform in elections for state legislatures and state supreme courts. Their underperformance gives Democrats a chance to run bolder, more leftist candidates, which might not be the case in a less favorable political climate.
Greater success for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing isn’t just theoretical. More explicitly leftist candidates have enjoyed recent successes across the nation. Importantly, this is true in Democratic primaries, where progressive candidates are up against more moderate counterparts, who historically receive more funding from corporate PACs. One of the most notable current victories for progressives is recently-elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who openly identifies as a Democratic Socialist.
One might wonder why it’s important for Democrats to run progressive candidates specifically; after all, it’s not that moderate Democrats are incapable of winning elections. Some fear alienating centrist voters, but in the wake of Trump’s America, progressive policies are receiving greater support because they work for the people. The majority of voters support measures to cap childcare costs, raise the minimum wage and limit Super PAC donations to campaigns. Across all parties, voters say they vote based on who shares their views; it follows that a candidate who champions popular positions will be received more favorably. Regardless of political affiliation, progressives are championing these policies and thus can appeal to everyone.
During the 2018 midterms, which took place during President Trump’s first term, Democrats made massive gains in Congress — including a wave of diverse, progressive Representatives (including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.). Though the high stakes of further Republican victories under a Trump administration might reasonably frighten Democrats, there is ample evidence that capitulating to the center is not the right strategy.
Following Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, many Democratic politicians and voters are understandably worried about taking unnecessary risks. Among the closely contested swing states that decided the 2024 election, some say that Harris’ message was too far left to be successful. While more moderate candidates may perform well in some purple states, Democrats should not adopt this as a nationwide strategy.
To some, unnecessary risk-taking entails running women candidates and candidates of Color. Harris lost by 86 electoral votes as a Black, Asian woman (though by only 1.5% in the popular vote). Misogyny and racism were certainly factors in Harris’ loss, but this should not inspire Democrats to run white men exclusively. Regressing to this limited idea of a candidate is not only dangerous but also misses the bigger picture — this means thinking beyond individual victories and paving the way for more concentrated power.
In addition to racist and misogynistic biases, unclear policies, moderate pandering and a shortened campaign were also to blame for Harris’ loss. While perhaps Harris was too left for some, her campaign was notably not progressive on immigration or Gaza. She lost ground compared to Biden in progressive strongholds like California and Massachusetts, as well as among Arab Americans. For status quo, old-guard Democrats to claim the optimal political strategy is to move further to the center is disingenuous. By extension, scapegoating Harris on the grounds of her identity and demanding that Democrats run more moderate, white men nationwide prevents progress from ever occurring.
Though Harris’ racial and gender identity may have detracted from her success among some groups, a diverse coalition — spearheaded by leaders of a variety of identities and backgrounds — is crucial for the success of any progressive platform. Democratic voters are more racially diverse, and identity representation is an important factor in the votes of many. Female candidates and candidates of Color championing progressive ideals have seen unprecedented success across the nation over the last few years, and now is not the time to halt that momentum, even if not on the presidential level.
If Harris’ loss teaches Democrats anything, it should be to run candidates who appeal to voters’ interests, not candidates who are less representative of a diverse electorate.
Though Trump’s presidency ends in 2029, Democrats have opportunities — from today until then — to secure a future that’s in their best interests and voters’. Beginning at the local and state level, Democrats should make every effort — in appropriate, realistic races — to advocate for, fund and invest in strong, progressive candidates.
It’s these candidates who will be able to best energize young, disengaged voters, mobilize a diverse coalition and put into effect popular, forward-thinking policies. This will not only lay the groundwork for eventual national victories in 2028 but is also the best way to build lasting political power and establish goodwill among deeply embittered, polarized electorates. Now is not the time for Democrats to retreat into familiar formulas, but rather to think beyond just one election cycle. Democrats must stop viewing progressive candidates as risks and instead recognize them as their strongest assets.
Maximus Craig is an Opinion Analyst who writes about student life, politics and campus culture. He can be reached at maxcraig@umich.edu.
