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WASHINGTON — Tensions among Democrats have surfaced publicly following Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s support for a Republican spending bill that averted a government shutdown, but the party’s divisions had already begun to emerge long before that incident.
For several months, Democrats have grappled with formulating a cohesive political strategy as they face the dual challenges of President Donald Trump and a Republican majority in both the House and Senate. The discussions have been tense, featuring deep dives into issues such as ideology and policy as the party attempts to analyze the failures of last year’s election.
Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat and the youngest member of Congress at age 28, acknowledged that the party is currently navigating insightful internal discussions regarding its future direction.
The challenges faced by the Democratic Party were highlighted during last week’s annual political retreat held by House Democrats just outside of Washington.
Frost expressed concern over exit polls from November’s presidential election, which revealed that Trump secured significant support among voters lacking college degrees and those earning less than $100,000 annually. The data also indicated that Trump gained traction with communities of color and younger voters—demographics that have historically favored Democrats.
Recent polling further emphasizes the party’s uphill battle.
Current dissatisfaction with Democrats is evident among the electorate, including the party’s own base. A March CNN poll indicated that only about 30% of U.S. adults viewed the Democratic Party favorably, while 54% held unfavorable opinions. Additionally, around 60% of Democrats expressed a desire for the party to focus on obstructing the Republican agenda rather than seeking bipartisan collaboration, a significant shift from 2017, when approximately 75% of Democrats favored cooperation with Republicans.
Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, remarked on the necessity for the Democratic brand to evolve, stating, “We will not win with the status quo.”
Moulton emphasized the importance of public accountability in addressing the party’s shortcomings.
“We need leadership to clearly communicate that we’ve heard the voters’ messages and recognize the need for change,” he said.
While Democrats share a common disdain for Trump and generally agree on the need to connect better with working-class voters, disagreements become apparent regarding strategies to confront Trump and the specific policies to prioritize.
The rift arises from the differing viewpoints of the party’s progressive and moderate factions, both of which believe they have been vindicated in their approaches since Trump took office.
According to Rep. Brad Schneider from Illinois, who chairs the New Democrat Coalition, a group advocating for practical policies, the focus should be on regaining legislative majority rather than engaging in short-term victories that might grab headlines.
“We might win viral moments or occasional arguments, but if it doesn’t lead us toward winning the upcoming election, we’re missing the mark,” Schneider noted.
On the other hand, more progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Greg Casar of Texas see a critical opportunity for the Democratic Party to redefine itself as a champion for working Americans.
“This situation allows us to transform into a party that genuinely represents working people,” Casar stated, suggesting that internal conflicts should be re-framed as a unified fight against powerful interests rather than a left versus right struggle.
Despite their challenges, Democrats are optimistic about regaining their majority in the House, especially given the slim Republican advantage. They are beginning their campaign efforts now rather than waiting for the 2026 elections. The unpredictable and often provocative actions from Trump resonate with a fatigued electorate seeking change, and Democrats see this as an opportunity.
In response, the Democratic National Committee has initiated a series of “People’s Town Halls” aimed at engaging voters in swing states and critical districts. This follows various town halls led by prominent Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Gov. Tim Walz.
Next month, the Congressional Black Caucus plans to embark on a bus tour through Black communities across the country, aiming to rekindle engagement among voters and spotlight contentions in Trump’s policies.
Furthermore, some members of Congress are supporting litigation efforts led by groups like Democracy Forward to challenge Trump’s initiatives, alongside grassroots organizations like Indivisible organizing nationwide protests against the administration’s policies.
Rep. Suzan DelBene, overseeing the House Democrats’ campaign efforts, highlighted the focus on “kitchen table issues” such as public safety and cost reductions when appealing to voters.
“Our strong performance in last year’s elections was attributed to these issues,” DelBene stated, underscoring their strategic importance moving forward.
Even as the party refines its messaging, urgency remains a priority for some Democrats, who argue for immediate action against Trump’s perceived transgressions.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts asserted that responding to “unprecedented power grabs” and “lawless actions” must take precedence, positing that the party’s core message should extend beyond merely obstructing Trump but also advocate for progressive policies.
“Our identity is at stake as elections approach,” Pressley concluded, emphasizing the need for ambitious goals rather than minimizing aspirations.
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abcnews.go.com