Slotkin calls for new Democratic Party leaders, says old models aren’t working
Rep. Mike Lawler: Democratic Party has moved ‘more and more to the left’ since 2016
New York Congressman Mike Lawler (R) discusses the leftward shift of the Democratic Party since Bernie Sanders’ campaign in 2016, arguing that radical views are now mainstream. He highlights Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s support for her opponent and contrasts her socialist agenda with 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 will never fully recover from its losses in the 2024 election.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter” on Wednesday, the senator told host Stephen A. Smith: “There’s a debate every day within the party about the path to take.”
“That’s why I believe we need significant new leadership. The old models don’t work anymore, and that includes the Democratic Party,” he said.
Slotkin said new leaders are needed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, adding that his party should focus more on several important issues.
DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SAYS PARTY’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP IS STRATEGY AT THE END OF DEFEAT TO TRUMP
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she believes the Democratic Party needs “new leadership.” (Tom Williams/Getty Images)
“Democrats suffered a major defeat in 2024. I was in a swing state and won that same year. To me, the lesson was simple. 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 with a clear message. He said: ‘I’m going to make your life more convenient. I’m going to put more money in your pocket.’ “He won because he kept his message simple and focused on the issue Americans care about most,” he added.
Slotkin said in a speech earlier this week that Democrats need to get back to basics by addressing issues like the economy and education.
YOU. SLOTKIN SAYS DEM SOCIALIST NYC CANDIDATE MAMDANI REPRESENTS THE “NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS” YOUNG VOTERS WANT
Senator Elissa Slotkin declared that new leaders are needed in both the House and the Senate. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, File)
“We need to show people that we care about an economy where if you work hard and play by the rules, you’ll get ahead and your kids will be more successful,” he said at the time.
Slotkin’s call for new leadership comes as Democratic socialists and other progressive candidates have scored multiple victories in New York’s Democratic primary this week, with the support of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign has emphasized affordability and better 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. But Slotkin suggested a broader shift in party leadership would be required to create meaningful change.
A group of Democratic senators had sought to discredit Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on how he handled last year’s government shutdown. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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A group of Democratic senators sought to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DY) on how he handled last year’s government shutdown, The Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Democrats in the Senate will elect the party leader by secret ballot after the general election in November.
