From The Hollywood Reporter · Steven Zeitchik · · 2m
DNC Vice Chair: 'We Had to Hit the Bottom'
Democrats' historic election win followed a 2024 reality check.
In brief
Democrats' historic election win followed a 2024 reality check. Democratic National Committee vice chair Jane Kleeb says the party hit rock bottom in 2024 before achieving a sweeping election victory through grassroots organizing and candidate resilience. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
DNC Vice Chair Jane Kleeb
Jane Kleeb is a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee under Ken Martin who also heads the Association of State Democratic Committees.
2024 Reality Check
The party hit rock bottom in 2024 after failing to find its voice and footing amid divisions over keeping Biden as the nominee.
Historic Election Win
Democrats won a sweeping victory across multiple states with wide margins in races that were not expected to be won.
Grassroots Over Top-Down
The party shifted from relying on a central charismatic figure to building infrastructure through local candidates and community engagement.
Midwest and South Shift
The party gained significant ground in the Midwest and South by connecting with voters who saw Trump as a change agent but found his promises unfulfilled.
California Challenge
The billionaire tax proposal failed in California due to confusion on the ballot and voter frustration with tax policies.
Scott Colom's Victory
Scott Colom is leading his opponent Cindy Hyde-Smith by a few dozen votes with 44,000 ballots outstanding in Mississippi.
Viral Campaign Strategy
Scott Colom used viral videos to troll his opponent, including a 'pick another protein/pick another senator' bit.
Resource Allocation
The party has ample resources to build infrastructure in all 57 states and territories without limiting spending.
State Shifts Ahead
Florida, Nebraska, and other swing states show potential for increased Democratic influence as the party expands its reach.
Internal Party Unity
The party aims to bridge progressive and moderate factions to create durable policies that resonate across diverse voter groups.
2028 Election Outlook
The party expects continued growth in swing states like Florida and Nebraska as it builds infrastructure for the 2028 election cycle.
The takeaway
Democratic National Committee vice chair Jane Kleeb says the party hit rock bottom in 2024 before achieving a sweeping election victory through grassroots organizing and candidate resilience.
