Democrats’ identity crisis: Why finding an easy path forward may prove difficult

Unity gives way to internal conflict

James Stevens, a 24-year-old film student from Georgia, describes himself as a democratic socialist. He travelled to New York City last year to canvass for Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, while he and his mother, Tamara, both hope Democrats win control of Congress.

The party appears positioned to take the House and may also win the Senate, according to conventional wisdom in Washington. But polling averages show Democrats only marginally ahead of Republicans in public standing, while recent surveys give the party a net unfavourability rating.

The divide was less visible in 2018, when many Democratic voters were united in opposing Donald Trump. The 2024 presidential race, shaped by Joe Biden’s departure and Kamala Harris’s nomination, left little opportunity for the party to debate its direction.

Disputes over policy and strategy

The disagreement is often described as a contest between moderates and the left. Party operatives and analysts also see a clash between institutionalists and those who want to remake the political establishment, with each side claiming to understand voters’ priorities.

Healthcare is one point of agreement for Tamara and James: both want universal coverage. Some Democrats propose reducing out-of-pocket costs for people with insurance, while progressives call for Medicare for All, a national system free at the point of use.

Mainstream Democrats acknowledge that many people consider healthcare a right. They also say some voters oppose a fully government-run programme because they fear lower care standards and want to retain private insurance.

Progressives press for broader change

A progressive advocate argues that the affordability crisis requires more than small adjustments, backing universal healthcare and childcare as well as cuts to the Pentagon budget to end what he calls “endless wars.” His organisation began in 2017 to recruit and support lawmakers who became known as the Squad, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. Several candidates this election cycle have focused on lowering extra costs for people who already have health insurance. The debate reflects a wider split over whether Democrats should pursue incremental steps or more sweeping policy changes.

Cook Political Report’s Dann says Democratic voters have sought candidates prepared to challenge the party establishment, not only oppose Trump. In Michigan’s primary, Abdul El-Sayed, a forceful critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, prevailed despite opposition from Democratic leaders.

Gaza shapes voter choices

Some voters who left the party in 2024 over Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza are now returning, encouraged by El-Sayed’s position. The issue has become a test of whether candidates meet the expectations of voters focused on Gaza, Israel and Palestine.

One voter said the community had learned from 2023 and 2024 and would no longer be “wishy-washy” on the issue. She described the choice as “Gaza or bust,” saying candidates who do not satisfy those concerns should not receive support.