Democrats are celebrating a sweeping midterm victory. They now face a harder question: how to govern with a coalition that runs from progressive activists to moderates who won in districts that voted Republican two years ago.
The results gave both wings something to point to. Progressive candidates won high-profile races, including Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, while moderates flipped seats in places like New Jersey’s 7th District. Each side argues that its approach delivered the majority.
Party leaders will have to balance calls for aggressive investigations of the administration and sweeping policy changes against the realities of governing a divided country, with a Republican President who can still veto their bills.
The results are already shaping talk about 2028, as potential presidential candidates begin to position themselves. For now, Democrats take control of Congress in January under pressure from voters to deliver on the issue that decided this election: the cost of living.