One Democrat senator thinks her party needs “new leadership” in light of its losses in the 2024 elections.
“Every day there’s a debate within the party about the path forward,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter” Wednesday.
“That’s why I believe we need significant new leadership. The old models are no longer working, and that includes the Democratic Party,” she said.
Slotkin said her party needs new leaders in both the House and the Senate.
She also said the Demonatic Party needs focus more on a few key issues.
“Democrats were soundly defeated in 2024. I was in a swing state, and I 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 actually stand for,” Slotkin said.
“Donald Trump came in with one clear message. He said, ‘I’m going to make your life more affordable. I’m going to put more money in your pocket.’ He won because he kept his message simple and focused on the issue Americans cared most about,” she continued.
Earlier this week, Slotkin said Democrats need to get back to basics. They can do this by addressing issues such as the economy and education.
“We just need to show people that what we care about is an economy where if you work hard and play by the rules, you get ahead, and your kids do better,” she said at the time.
Democratic socialists and other progressive candidates walked away victorious in New York’s Democratic primaries this week. They had the support of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
His campaign has emphasized affordability and improving conditions for working-class residents.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has tried to heal the party since taking office in February 2025.
Slotkin suggested a broader change in party leadership may be necessary.
A group of Democratic senators wanted to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) over last year’s government shutdown, The Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Democrats in the Senate will elect a party leader after November’s general election.