Opinion - Suggestions for Democrats to secure congressional majorities

Increasingly, Americans are viewing President Trump as a disruptive force in government, damaging federal agencies, driving up living costs, raising unemployment, jeopardizing public health, and undermining the justice system. A recent November poll by the Associated Press revealed that only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of government, a decline from 43% in March. Although some surveys place his approval in the 40s, none indicate majority support.

Public backing for Trump may continue to decline as the affordability crisis worsens due to tariffs and other policies, alongside further revelations about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This situation could provide an opportunity for Democrats to gain control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 elections.

To capitalize on this moment, Democrats should unify around policies aimed at repairing the damage caused by Trump while offering a vision for a better future. Trump's reelection campaign promised to reduce illegal immigration, curb inflation, make healthcare more affordable, and improve overall living standards. Yet, aside from deporting undocumented immigrantsoften without due processhe has largely failed to deliver on these promises. Instead, his focus has been on targeting opponents and enriching his family, whose net worth has nearly doubled to an estimated $10 billion since his reelection, according to Forbes.

In the November elections, voters frustrated with Trump chose Democrats across a spectrum of political beliefs. While New York City elected a democratic socialist mayor, the majority of new Democratic officials are moderates, winning positions as governors, state legislators, and local leaders in states such as New Jersey and Virginia.

Despite internal differences, Democrats share core principles. Congressional candidates should embrace the following domestic policies to offer a clear alternative to Trumps administration and address pressing challenges:

• Reduce tariffs through reciprocal agreements with other nations to lower import costs and expand U.S. exports, creating jobs and easing the cost of living.
• Reform the immigration system to allow more legal entry and provide a pathway to citizenship, while halting deportations of individuals whose only offense is being undocumented. Worker shortages caused by mass deportations have contributed to rising prices for essentials.
• Restore over $24 billion in funding for clean energy initiatives, provide tax credits of up to $7,500 for electric vehicles, and offer a 30% credit for residential solar energy installations to make energy more affordable, create jobs, and combat climate change.
• Address the shortage of 4 to 7 million affordable housing units by fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local governments and the construction sector.
• Reinstate funding and staffing cuts in the Education Department to support schools and teachers, ensuring quality education for all children.
• Revise the tax system so that wealthy individuals and corporations contribute their fair share, while restoring IRS budgets to enforce compliance.
• End policies that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all Americans can reach their potential and be recognized for their achievements.
• Extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent premium spikes for 22 million Americans and restore funding for medical research.
• Stop the politicization of federal agencies, including the Justice Department and FBI, and restore their focus on preventing terrorism and fighting major crimes.
• Halt military and National Guard deployments in U.S. cities while increasing support for local police and community safety programs.

By championing these policies, Democrats can attract voters, strengthen their candidates chances, and ultimately provide tangible benefits to the country. Success in the upcoming elections would be crucial for maintaining checks and balances on the current administration and preventing further damage.

Author: Aiden Foster