The battle for the soul of the Democratic Party

4 snips

Oct 15, 2025

Democrats are re-evaluating their strategy following a tough loss, focusing on upcoming elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Centrist candidates like Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger prioritize local issues and affordability, while progressive voices such as Zohran Mamdani challenge the party's traditional approach. The discussion includes how these races will influence future party dynamics for 2026. Additionally, the need for a new populist energy within the party resonates throughout, highlighting tensions between grassroots enthusiasm and moderate appeals.

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INSIGHT

Off-Year Races As Strategic Bellwether

Upcoming off-year governor races in New Jersey and Virginia act as early tests for the Democratic Party's direction.
Results will shape momentum and strategy heading into 2026 and beyond.

INSIGHT

Centrists Focus On Security And Affordability

Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger position themselves as centrist, security-focused Democrats appealing to suburban voters.
They emphasise cost-of-living issues and avoid culture-war topics to broaden appeal.

ANECDOTE

Debate Dodge On Trans Bathroom Policy

At the Virginia debate Spanberger dodged a direct statewide natl policy by pushing decisions to local communities.
She framed bathroom policy as a local choice to avoid national culture-war entanglement.

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Since losing to Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election, Democrats across the U.S have been working behind the scenes to change the party’s image and its policies. In places like New York, Zohran Mamdani has led a progressive campaign that’s caught global attention. Does the rest of the party need to follow suit?

In today’s episode, Sarah and Justin look at other races taking place in November, including the race for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, where two centrist Democrats are hoping to win on a very different policy platform. Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger are part of the so-called ‘Mod Squad’ that’s searching for electoral success through a focus on the cost of living and local issues.

The pair are seen as rising stars in the party, but is there also space for figures like Mamdani? We take a look at their campaigns and tactics, and some of the Democratic candidates putting themselves forward as senate candidates for 2026 such as Janet Mills in the swing state of Maine. How will these campaigns inform how both parties choose to approach the 2026 midterm elections?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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