The 2024 election delivered a stark message: the Democratic party has lost significant ground with working-class voters across the country. This isn’t just about white working-class voters; Trump made inroads with Latino and Black working-class voters as well, a concerning trend for Democrats. The question now is: how do they win them back?
This isn’t a new problem. The decline in working-class support for the Democrats began well before Trump’s rise, according to former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu. He points to a net loss of over 25% of working-class support since 2008, highlighting the urgency of the situation. To address this, Landrieu is leading the Working Class Project, a new initiative aiming to understand and address the concerns of these voters.
The Working Class Project, based within the American Bridge 21st Century, will employ research, polling, and focus groups in 21 states – a mix of battleground, traditionally Democratic, and solidly Republican states. Their focus isn’t just on identifying problems, but also on developing solutions. They are conducting interviews with labor, faith, and local leaders, and have already started in-depth studies of the demographics that shifted towards Trump in 2024, including young men of various ethnic backgrounds. This longitudinal research will track voter behavior over Trump’s second term, paying close attention to their reactions to key policies.
The urgency is underscored by the looming 2030 reapportionment. Population shifts favor states where Democrats are struggling to compete, making gains among working-class voters crucial for future electoral success. While Trump’s own declining approval ratings in several states offer an opportunity, Democrats must actively work to capitalize on this discontent. The Brennan Center’s projections paint a grim picture for Democrats in 2032 without significant gains in key demographics and regions. Winning back the working class isn’t just about winning elections; it’s about the very survival of the Democratic party’s future.
This is a monumental task, requiring a deep understanding of the concerns and priorities of working-class voters across diverse backgrounds. The Working Class Project represents a significant effort, but its success will depend on the Democrats’ ability to listen, adapt, and truly connect with the voters they’ve lost.
