Trump-District Democrat Sounds Alarm on Party's Troubles Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat representing a New York district that flipped from Kamala Harris to Donald Trump in 2024, isn’t pulling punches when it comes to his party’s image. In his view, the Democratic brand is teetering on the edge of irrelevance, portrayed as "crazy-left" and "out-of-touch." Suozzi, however, insists he’s escaped being tarred with that brush thanks to his reputation as a moderate and his knack for bipartisan consensus.

Suozzi, who first entered Congress in 2017, returned to the House after winning a special election to replace expelled Rep. George Santos in 2022. Known for his pragmatic approach, he’s championed issues like tackling government waste and addressing border security—topics that resonate with his suburban Long Island constituents.

When Suozzi first voiced concerns about securing the border, political consultants warned him it was a "Republican issue." But Suozzi stood firm, saying, "That’s what the people are talking about in my district." As a first-generation American of Italian descent, immigration holds personal meaning for him, but he lamented how the topic turned negative, calling it "actually painful."

Beyond immigration, Suozzi believes Democrats need to refocus on bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living and rebuilding the middle class. While he acknowledges the importance of pro-choice and LGBTQ+ rights, he warns that these issues alone can’t sustain the party’s appeal. "We don’t, as Democrats, focus enough on the basics," he said.

Suozzi also denounced progressive calls to "defund the police," branding the slogan "the stupidest three words ever said in the history of politics." He argues that Democrats can compete with Republicans on cutting waste and fraud but criticized efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that led to cuts in areas like nuclear stockpile oversight and disease prevention. "Let’s be smart about these things," Suozzi urged.

The congressman also highlighted the need for better outreach beyond traditional media, pointing to Trump and Elon Musk’s appearances on "The Joe Rogan Experience" as examples of effective communication strategies. "I can’t get on Joe Rogan," he admitted, but stressed the importance of finding ways to challenge misinformation and reach younger voters.

Despite these challenges, Suozzi expressed optimism about Democrats retaking the House in 2026, citing historical trends of midterm backlash against the sitting president’s party. However, he warned that Democrats can't rely solely on opposition to Trump. "We have to also talk about what we stand for," he said, emphasizing middle-class revitalization, public safety, and border security as key issues.

While the road ahead looks rocky, Suozzi’s message is clear: Democrats need a grounded, actionable vision to win back the trust of voters.