Democrats launch Project 2029 to create policy agenda for 2028 nominee
Democrats are now taking a page from the conservative playbook with the launch of Project 2029, a policy agenda being crafted by leading Democratic Party thinkers for their eventual presidential nominee in the 2028 election cycle. This initiative, reminiscent of the notorious Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation for the Republican Party, aims to provide a comprehensive policy framework to guide the Democratic nominee towards victory.
The Democrats have long criticized Project 2025 as a far-right threat to the nation, but the Trump administration implemented many of its proposals. Now, Russell T. Vought, a key member of the Project 2025 team, leads the Office of Management and Budget. This shift has prompted Democrats to organize Project 2029 in an effort to counter conservative policies and regain control of the White House.
The project is spearheaded by Andrei Cherny, a former Democratic speechwriter and state party leader, who called on Democratic presidential hopefuls to rally behind the policy framework. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the Democratic nomination race is heating up, and Project 2029 aims to provide candidates with a roadmap for success in 2028.
Following setbacks in the 2024 elections, where Democrats lost the White House and Senate, as well as failed to win back the House majority, the party is eager to revamp its image. Polls have shown a decline in the Democratic Party’s popularity, prompting the need for fresh ideas and a new generation of candidates. Jim Kessler, executive vice president for policy at the center-left Third Way, emphasized the importance of testing out new policy ideas to rejuvenate the party’s appeal.
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville welcomed the introduction of Project 2029 but emphasized that the ultimate test lies with the presidential nominee. While new ideas are essential for revitalizing the party, Carville highlighted the significance of having a strong candidate to champion these policies and unify the party.
Project 2029 comes at a time of internal divisions within the Democratic Party, as tensions between the establishment and progressive wings continue to simmer. The recent victory of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral primary has reignited debates over the party’s direction and messaging strategy.
As the Democratic Party gears up for the 2028 election cycle, Project 2029 serves as a platform for shaping the party’s agenda and fostering unity among its members. By learning from conservative tactics and developing a comprehensive policy framework, Democrats aim to reclaim the White House and enact meaningful change for the American people.
