Democrats talk strategy to win, govern at Raleigh gathering

By Sarah Michels | Carolina Public Press

Two years after their 2024 loss, Democrats understand the assignment. They’re focused, honing in on one issue important to voters ahead of the 2026 election: affordability.

Take it from Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL, a national network whose goal is to elevate pragmatic, results-driven center-left state and local leaders. May 4 and 5, NewDEAL leaders across the country gathered in Raleigh to discuss how to not only sell their message to voters in the upcoming election, but maintain Democratic momentum afterwards. 

Democrats have a simple campaign message: Grocery prices are up. Utility bills are rising. Childcare and healthcare costs are pushing household budgets to the brink. There’s an overall sense that everything is more expensive. Republicans are in charge, and their campaign promises to lower costs haven’t come to fruition, so, Democrats will argue, voters should fire them. 

That messaging is likely to be enough for a “blue wave” this November, they think. Democrats can point fingers, tying President Donald Trump’s tariff policy and Iran War to rising costs. On a state level, North Carolina Democrats can blame state Republicans for not passing a comprehensive budget, leaving projects unfunded and teachers, law enforcement and state employees without pay adjustments. 

However, Democratic leaders cannot rest on their laurels, Bultan told Carolina Public Press. 

“A shift is happening, which is great to see,” she said. “The way we make it last is to deliver.” 

At the NewDEAL Ideas Summit in Raleigh, Democratic leaders shared concrete policy ideas and governing strategies to make that happen.