# DNC Vice Chair: 'We Had to Hit the Bottom'

> Democrats' historic election win followed a 2024 reality check.
- Title: DNC Vice Chair: 'We Had to Hit the Bottom' | Shortify
- Summary: Democrats' historic election win followed a 2024 reality check. Democratic National Committee vice chair Jane Kleeb says the party hit rock bottom in 2024…
- Keywords: democratic national committee, jane kleeb, dnc vice chair, 2024 election, midterm elections, democratic party, grassroots organizing, candidate resilience, political strategy, election results, The Hollywood Reporter
- Source: The Hollywood Reporter — https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/why-did-democrats-win-election-dnc-1236747980
- Author: Steven Zeitchik
- Published: 2026-11-04T22:17:32+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: democratic national committee, jane kleeb, dnc vice chair, 2024 election, midterm elections, democratic party, grassroots organizing, candidate resilience, political strategy, election results
## 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.
## Key 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.