Chicago April 5, 2025
Republicans Face New Reality in Elections
Recent election results have left Republicans facing a new challenge. For years, they dominated lower-profile elections, but now they’re worried their base has changed. Under President Donald Trump, Republicans have relied on low-propensity voters who only show up to vote for him. However, these voters aren’t as motivated to vote when Trump isn’t on the ballot.
Democrats have been outperforming expectations in special elections this year. They’ve even flipped control of state Senate seats in Iowa and Pennsylvania. In Florida, they’ve reduced the margins for open US House seats. A significant win in a Wisconsin state Supreme Court race has also shown that voters are rejecting the Trump administration’s agenda.
Some top Republicans are sounding the alarm about their base. They’re concerned that their voters aren’t turning out when Trump isn’t on the ballot. This new reality is forcing Republicans to rethink their strategy. They need to find ways to motivate their base and attract new voters to stay competitive.