DNC goes local: How the Democrats are repositioning themselves for 2026

Published April 6, 2026 6:00am ET



With an eye on the next round of redistricting, Democrats are investing heavily in local races and state parties, aiming to rebuild power in red and rural areas ahead of 2028 after fierce losses in 2024 with President Donald Trump’s electoral victory.

Rebuilding a party

According to poll research from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, favorability toward Democrats among their own party members fell sharply from 85% in September 2024 to 67% in October 2025.

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