How Democrats Can Reclaim Congress: A Practical, Voter-Focused Agenda

Growing numbers of Americans are concerned about the direction of federal policy and the cost of living. Recent polls show declining approval of President Trump’s handling of government, providing an opening for Democrats to make a persuasive case for new leadership in Congress.

Why This Moment Matters

A November Associated Press poll found that only 33% of U.S. adults approved of President Trump’s management of government, down from 43% in March. While some polls place his approval in the 40s, none show majority support. As affordability pressures persist and new revelations emerge, public support could weaken further — creating opportunities for the opposition to win back House and Senate majorities in 2026.

Unite Around Practical, Popular Policies

To win, Democrats should rally behind clear, widely supported policies that both address immediate pain points for voters and contrast with the current administration’s record. Below are concrete priorities candidates should adopt and communicate:

1. Reduce Costs Through Smarter Trade

Pursue reciprocal tariff reductions with trading partners to lower consumer prices and expand export opportunities for U.S. businesses. Framing trade as a tool to bring down everyday costs will resonate with voters feeling the squeeze on household budgets.

2. Comprehensive, Humane Immigration Reform

Support expanded legal pathways and a clear route to citizenship for qualifying immigrants. Commit to ending mass roundups of people present without authorization and to fixing labor shortages that push up prices for food, housing and other essentials.

3. Rebuild Clean-Energy Investment

Restore funding for clean-energy programs (more than $24 billion in previously cut funds, per advocates), revive an electric-vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, and reintroduce a 30% tax credit for rooftop solar. These measures can lower household energy bills, create jobs and accelerate decarbonization.

4. Tackle The Housing Shortage

Launch a federal-state-local partnership with the housing construction industry to produce millions of affordable housing units and reduce the current shortfall, estimated at 4–7 million homes. Increasing supply is central to long-term affordability.

5. Restore Education Capacity

Reverse efforts that reduced the Department of Education’s capacity and funding. Restoring resources and staff will help the federal government meet its responsibility to support public education and student outcomes.

6. Fair Taxes And Stronger Enforcement

Ensure wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share and reverse cuts that weaken the IRS’s ability to pursue tax evasion. Restoring enforcement funding will improve fairness and generate revenue without raising taxes on middle- and lower-income households.

7. Protect Health Coverage And Research

Extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire to prevent millions from facing steep premium increases and restore funding for medical research cut in recent years. Affordable, reliable health coverage is a top voter priority.

8. Depoliticize Federal Law Enforcement

Commit to stopping the politicization of the Justice Department and other federal agencies. Consider restoring law-enforcement resources (including roughly $500 million cited in debate over FBI budget proposals) so agencies focus on counterterrorism and major crime rather than political enforcement actions.

9. Community-Focused Public Safety

Oppose routine deployments of active-duty military and National Guard troops in U.S. cities. Instead, invest in local police capacity and community-based crime prevention initiatives that build trust and reduce violence.

Messaging And Political Strategy

Candidates should emphasize how these policies will make daily life more affordable, protect basic rights and restore competence to federal institutions. A concise, optimistic message focused on tangible improvements — lower prices, more housing, accessible health care, good jobs, and fair taxes — will help unite Democrats across the ideological spectrum and appeal to swing voters.

Author: A. Scott Bolden is an attorney, NewsNation contributor, former chair of the Washington, D.C. Democratic Party and a former New York State prosecutor.

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