Rep. Mike Lawler: Democratic Party has moved ‘further and further to the left’ since 2016
New York Congressman Mike Lawler (R) discusses the Democratic Party’s leftward shift since Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, stating that radical views are now common. He highlights Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement of his opponent, contrasting her socialist agenda with his conservative legislative achievements, including tax cuts and border security.
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Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she believes the Democratic Party needs “new leadership,” arguing that the party never fully recovered after its losses in the 2024 elections.
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter” on Wednesday, the senator told host Stephen A. Smith, “Every day there is a debate within the party about the path forward.”
“That’s why I think we need significant new leadership. The old models don’t work anymore, and that includes the Democratic Party,” he said.
Slotkin explained that new leaders are needed in both the House and Senate, adding that his party needs to focus more attention on some key issues.
DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SAYS THE PARTY LACKS LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY AFTER TRUMP’S DEFEAT
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she believes the Democratic Party needs “new leadership.” (Tom Williams/Getty Images)
“The Democrats were soundly defeated in 2024. I was in a swing state and won that same year. For me, the lesson was simple. The Democrats had too many priorities. They tried to make everyone happy and answer every question. When you prioritize everything, no one knows what you really stand for,” Slotkin said.
“Donald Trump came in with a clear message. He said, ‘I’m going to make your life more affordable. I’m going to put more money in your pocket.’ He won because he kept his message simple and focused on the issue that matters most to Americans,” he added.
Earlier this week, Slotkin said in a speech that Democrats must get back to basics by addressing issues like the economy and education.
SEN. SLOTKIN SAYS NYC SOCIALIST DEM CANDIDATE MAMDANI REPRESENTS ‘NEW GENERATION’ OF LEADERS YOUNG VOTERS WANT
Senator Elissa Slotkin explained that new leaders are needed in both the House and Senate. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, File)
“We just have to show people that what we care about is an economy where, if you work hard and follow the rules, you get ahead and your children do better,” he said at the time.
Slotkin’s call for new leadership comes as Democratic Socialists and other progressive candidates scored several victories in New York’s Democratic primaries this week, backed by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign has emphasized affordability and improving conditions for working-class residents.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin has sought to ease tensions within the party since taking office in February 2025. However, Slotkin suggested that a broader change in party leadership would be necessary to produce meaningful change.
A group of Democratic senators had sought to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over how he handled the government shutdown last year. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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A group of Democratic senators had sought to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., over his handling of the government shutdown last year, The Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Senate Democrats will choose a party leader after the November general election by secret ballot.