The party may reclaim the US House and even Senate, but primary candidates are far from united on how to move forward

Across the country, in front yards and on main streets, at dairy breakfasts and inside breweries, voters are delivering a similar message to Democratic primary candidates: they’re tired of both parties, and sick of being ignored.

The Democratic party brand is bruised after its disastrous 2024 presidential loss. A botched review of the defeat by the Democratic National Committee, and a drawn-out process over releasing the so-called autopsy, created another round of handwringing over the party’s direction.

On doorsteps, though, the voters don’t bring up the autopsy, or the party’s brand, according to candidates nationwide. They want a party that will stand up to Trump, fight for their healthcare and housing, make life more affordable, rein in immigration agents, build up their schools, get the US out of war and lower gas prices, protect their jobs from AI, confront the climate crisis and prevent datacenters from coming in.