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WASHINGTON — The Democratic Party has spent the past year defined by low morale, limited power and a lack of clear direction. But two weeks after a series of blowout wins across the country, the party now feels the wind at its back as President Donald Trump’s approval rating plummets, the redistricting wars break in their favor and they gain ground on the economic issues the electorate cares the most about.
Democrats are now facing an unexpected challenge: managing expectations.
Yes, the party’s short-term future now looks bright enough for Democrats to openly discuss winning back control of the Senate, and to start looking more closely at red-state governors’ races for pickup opportunities. GOP-held congressional districts once thought to be reach opportunities are now clear targets, with the party even spending money in a seat Trump won by 22 points last year in Tennessee.
“You can’t help but feel a little bounce in your step,” former North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp said. “I’m optimistic that they can take back the Senate. I would not have believed that before Election Day.”
