News Page

Main Content

These Younger Democrats Are Sick of Their Party’s Status Quo

The New York Times's profile
Original Story by The New York Times
July 10, 2025
These Younger Democrats Are Sick of Their Party’s Status Quo

Context:

A group of younger Democrats, called Majority Democrats, aims to reform the party by addressing urgent voter concerns and moving away from being labeled as the party of the status quo. They believe the Democratic Party's focus on abortion rights and anti-Trump rhetoric has overshadowed critical economic issues, leading to a loss of voter trust. By creating a diverse coalition and broadening their appeal, they hope to build a 'big-tent' party that can win majorities in national elections. The initiative, led by prominent elected officials, seeks to support new candidates and offer comprehensive political services, emphasizing affordability, safety, and challenging Big Tech. The group's formation highlights generational tensions within the party, as they strive to reconnect with voters and rebuild trust lost during the previous presidential campaign.

Dive Deeper:

  • Majority Democrats, a group formed by younger Democrats, intends to transform the party by recruiting fresh candidates and challenging traditional political strategies that they believe hinder progress. They argue that the focus on abortion rights and anti-Trump messaging has detracted from essential economic issues, leading to a disconnect with voters.

  • The group, comprising about 30 elected officials across federal, state, and local levels, aims to address key voter concerns like the affordability crisis while shedding the party's image as resistant to change. They emphasize the need for a 'big-tent' approach to build lasting political majorities.

  • Led by Representative Angie Craig, the initiative functions as both a network for exchanging ideas and a political operation supporting a pipeline of new talent. It is organized as a hybrid federal political action committee, rejecting corporate PAC money and building on previous initiatives to enhance its impact.

  • Members include influential politicians like former Representative Abigail Spanberger, Representative Mikie Sherrill, and Senators Ruben Gallego and Elissa Slotkin. They will collaborate with candidates in Republican-held districts and hope their efforts will influence the 2028 presidential primary.

  • The group's structure mirrors the Democratic Leadership Council from the Clinton era, but it insists on having no ideological litmus test for joining. Instead, they focus on inclusivity, patience, and tolerance to expand the Democratic coalition, moving towards a more open-minded and collaborative approach.

  • The initiative plans to engage voters through in-person events and gather feedback to create a messaging playbook for other Democrats. Leaders stress listening to voters, especially in districts where cost-of-living issues overshadow traditional party focuses like abortion rights.

  • The formation of Majority Democrats highlights the growing generational divide in the party, following dissatisfaction with President Biden's campaign performance. The group seeks to rebuild trust with voters and avoid alienating talented young candidates who can drive electoral success.

Latest News

Related Stories