Democrats celebrated major victories nationally this week, yet we lost in my own congressional district, a diverse area that includes a small part of New York City and Long Island.

I represent a swing district. In 2024, my constituents chose both me, a Democrat, and President Donald Trump. Voters here, like many across America, care less about party and more about who will make life affordable, safe and fair.

If Democrats want to keep winning in purple areas in 2026 and beyond, they need to address people's real concerns. Leaders like Abigail Spanberger, Mikie Sherrill, Zohran Mamdani and even Trump in 2024 spoke to the central issue people face: affordability.

Governors-elect Spanberger and Sherrill offered pragmatic solutions. While Mamdani and Trump also tapped into real frustration

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