Incoming Senate Dem Elissa Slotkin torches identity politics in 2024 autopsy: ‘Go the way of the dodo’

In a recent briefing at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Sen.-elect Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., emphasized the need for Democrats to move away from identity politics if they want to secure victories in future elections. Slotkin, who represents a swing district in Michigan, stressed that focusing on identity politics is not a winning strategy in a state like Michigan.

Slotkin, who successfully flipped her district from red to blue, attributed her win to steering clear of identity politics and instead focusing on “kitchen table” issues such as the economy. She emphasized the importance of talking plainly about these issues in order to connect with voters.

Joining Slotkin at the briefing were Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other Democratic senators who had won in the 2024 elections. Schumer outlined the key factors that contributed to their success, including candidate quality, economic accomplishments in the Senate that directly impacted their states, and early strategic investments in television and digital ads.

Schumer highlighted the importance of high digital ad spending in today’s media landscape, which he believes played a crucial role in helping Democrats secure victories in swing states. Despite some challenges in Pennsylvania, where an automatic recount was triggered, Schumer remained optimistic about the DSCC’s ongoing efforts in the state.

Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., shared insights into his successful campaign against Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake. He emphasized the importance of connecting with male and Latino voters through targeted cultural messaging, such as boxing match watch parties and rodeo events. Gallego criticized Lake for her approach to the border crisis, noting that Arizona’s economy relies heavily on travel and trade with Mexico.

Overall, the briefing underscored the importance of focusing on substantive issues and communicating clearly with voters in order to secure electoral victories. By moving away from identity politics and emphasizing economic concerns, Democrats hope to build on their recent successes and appeal to a broader base of voters in future elections.

Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.