Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democratic Representative from Washington's 3rd District, shares her insights on winning in a Trump stronghold. She discusses the importance of local values and community engagement in a polarized environment. Gluesenkamp emphasizes practical policies like student loan forgiveness while navigating the challenges of minority status in Congress. Sarah Binder, a political science professor, adds context on the dynamics within minority parties, revealing how Democrats can effectively assert influence despite partisan hurdles.
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez's victory emphasizes the importance of local representation and addressing the specific needs of working-class families.
Her approach challenges traditional party politics by advocating for grassroots representation and prioritizing practical solutions over rigid party doctrine.
Deep dives
Winning in Trump Country
Marie Glucencamp-Perez's victory in a historically Republican district highlights the importance of local representation and community values. She emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to connect with working-class families and to prioritize their needs over the national agenda. Glucencamp-Perez successfully campaigned on her practical experience as a business owner and as a member of the community, showcasing a genuine understanding of her constituents' challenges. By crossing party lines and voting with Republicans on certain issues, she managed to alienate some within her own party while reinforcing her commitment to representing her community.
Rejecting Traditional Party Lines
Glucencamp-Perez's approach challenges conventional party politics, particularly in her voting record on issues like student loan forgiveness, where she voted against the Biden administration's plan due to its limited impact on her district. She advocates for viewing local issues through a realistic lens, acknowledging that her district's needs differ markedly from those of urban centers. By prioritizing local industry and trade education, she aims to elevate the status of blue-collar jobs and vocational training in the national conversation. Her stance reflects a growing recognition that economic policies must align with the practical realities faced by constituents, rather than strictly adhering to party doctrine.
Listening to Constituents
Glucencamp-Perez emphasizes the necessity of grassroots representation in legislative processes, arguing that the voices of everyday workers must shape policy decisions. By sharing anecdotal evidence from constituents who face bureaucratic challenges, such as regulatory hurdles in childcare services, she illustrates how overregulation can negatively impact local economies and community welfare. This approach underscores her belief in the importance of engaging with her community to craft effective legislation that reflects their needs and experiences. By fostering open communication and collaboration, she aims to create a legislative environment that prioritizes the voices of those directly affected by policy decisions.
US Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez was one of the few Democrats to win a swing district in the 2024 election. She explains what lessons Democrats can learn from her win and what she hopes to accomplish, even as a minority, in the 119th Congress.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.