Trump-district Democrat says brand ‘in trouble’ ahead of 2026 midterms

As a House Democrat representing a district that former Vice President Kamala Harris lost to now-President Donald Trump in 2024, Rep. Tom Suozzi is sounding the alarm about public perceptions of his party. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Suozzi expressed concern about the Democratic brand being portrayed as “crazy-left” and “out-of-touch.”

Suozzi, who is well-known in his suburban Long Island district, emphasized the importance of maintaining a moderate stance and finding bipartisan consensus on key issues. He highlighted his efforts to address government waste and border security, issues that resonated with his constituents.

“I think the Democratic brand is really in trouble,” Suozzi said. “They couldn’t paint me with that brand because people know me.” He stressed the need for Democrats to focus on core issues like rebuilding the middle class and public safety, rather than getting caught up in divisive rhetoric.

One of the key issues Suozzi addressed was immigration, a topic close to his heart as a first-generation American. He emphasized the importance of securing the border and addressing the concerns of his district, rather than adhering to party talking points.

Suozzi also criticized progressive calls to “defund the police,” calling it “the stupidest three words ever said in the history of politics.” He emphasized the need for Democrats to focus on rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, while also acknowledging the importance of responsible budget cuts.

In addition, Suozzi called on Democrats to engage in outreach beyond traditional media channels, pointing to the success of figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on podcasts and social media. He highlighted the need for Democrats to reach out to a broader audience and engage with diverse viewpoints.

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Suozzi expressed confidence that Democrats could reclaim the House of Representatives. He noted the historical trend of the party in power losing seats during midterm elections and predicted a higher Democratic voter turnout in response to current political frustrations.

However, Suozzi cautioned against a solely anti-Trump message, urging Democrats to focus on promoting their own values and priorities. He emphasized the importance of talking about issues like rebuilding the middle class, public safety, and border security, in addition to challenging the policies of the current administration.

Overall, Suozzi’s message to his fellow Democrats is clear: focus on core issues, engage with a broader audience, and promote a positive vision for the future. By staying true to these principles, Suozzi believes that Democrats can regain public trust and secure electoral victories in the years to come.