I think it may be time to consider where we Democrats are after the election and at the 60-day point of the second Trump presidency. I suspect most (if not all) of us went through a period of mourning after last November 5th. At first glance, it can certainly feel like we Democrats should hunker down and wait for 2028.
In his first 60 days in office, Trump has unleashed his Hounds from Hell—Elon and the Oligarchs—who act as if the checks and balances built into our Constitution do not apply to them. The Senate and House have completely abdicated their responsibility to make laws and draft budgets. The judiciary is trying to stem the unconstitutional tide of rule by Executive Order, but, as Deportation Czar Tom Doman stated this week, “I don’t care what the judges think.”
But let’s do what good Democrats generally do during stressful times: let’s look at the data. How are we faring here in Henderson County against historical norms?
1952 to 2016: Republicans beat Democrats by an average margin over 30%.
2018 mid-terms: The Republican margin was cut to 20%.
2024 Presidential election: The Republican margin was only 14%.
What changed?
Democrats started turning out to vote. Pre-2018, Republican turnout was 8% higher than Democrats; by 2024, the gap narrowed to just 2%.
Unaffiliated voters (UNAs) shifted to support Democrats. Before 2018, over 60% of UNAs voted Republican. In 2024, UNAs supported Democrats 54% to 46%.
Why the swift UNA movement to favor Democrats?
We had a full slate of Democratic candidates for the first time in years.
Our GOTV planning and execution matured significantly; teams were active in phone banking, postcard writing, canvassing, office support, signage, and social media.
Our leadership team provided trust and support.
An ongoing influx of new residents with no historical Republican allegiance.
Adequate financial resources supported our efforts.
Bruce Sargent, our statistics guru and GOTV leader, believes we are moving from red to purple in Henderson County.
Is there a way to speed up our march toward trading red for blue?
I titled this piece “I’m No Pollyanna” for a reason. The data suggests we are realistically 2-3 cycles (4-6 years) away from reaching parity with Republicans locally. But there are strong signals indicating an opportunity in 2026 to speed this process up by holding our local representatives accountable.
My conviction is grounded in statements and actions by Senator Tillis, Congressman Edwards, State Senator Moffitt, State Representatives Balkcom and Johnson. Their fervent embrace of the MAGA movement negatively impacts Democrats, Republicans, and UNAs alike across the 16 counties of NC 11.
While we must hold President Musk and Trump accountable at the national level, our real opportunity lies locally in Henderson County in 2026. Voting Edwards out could swing the House back to Democratic control. Holding Moffitt, Balkcom, and Edwards accountable for Helene recovery and our struggling public schools will significantly impact the NC General Assembly and support Governor Stein’s vetoes against Republican overreach.
Republican transgressions affecting everyone in WNC:
Response to Helene
We’re getting no meaningful help from Senator Tillis or Congressman Edwards in Washington. Edwards praised FEMA initially but backed Trump’s false narrative of FEMA's poor effort. We need representatives who consistently advocate for rebuilding infrastructure, affordable housing, farmer and small business support, and proactive future planning. Slashing FEMA based on presidential whims is not viable leadership.
Governor Stein requested $1 billion for Helene recovery, but the legislature, including Tillis, Balkcom, and Johnson, approved only half. Ignored were critical funds for schools, businesses, and local governments.
Social Security and Medicare
Any reduction to Social Security or Medicare is catastrophic for seniors. Medicare is not an entitlement—it’s earned. The majority of seniors rely heavily on Social Security, which keeps pace with inflation but doesn't improve living standards. Tillis and Edwards must explain their support for Musk’s threats to Social Security.
Medicaid
Congress cannot meet Musk and Trump’s extreme budget cuts without devastating Medicaid, threatening health coverage for over 600,000 recently enrolled North Carolinians and many others. Republican cuts focus on vulnerable populations to fund tax breaks benefiting the wealthiest Americans. Tillis and Edwards are complicit.
Moving Forward
We must regularly spotlight Edwards, Tillis, Moffitt, Balkcom, and Johnson for decisions negatively impacting Henderson County and WNC. Their recent public silence after Edwards’ humiliation underscores their detachment. We must communicate clearly how their MAGA allegiance hurts everyone, shifting the narrative to shared community interests beyond party lines.
Let’s step out of our Democratic bubble and remind Republicans and UNAs alike that voting Democratic is in their best interests. We shouldn’t suffer in silence—we should respond together.
Comments