Why Democrats stumbled in 2024: Insights from Phoenix and the working class

The 2024 election highlighted significant challenges for the Democratic Party, exposing a disconnect between its messaging and the economic concerns of working families, particularly those without college degrees.

Recent electoral outcomes indicate that Democrats struggled to resonate with this demographic, leading to notable losses across various levels of governance. Local victories, such as Anna Hernandez’s win for the Phoenix City Council, showcase the potential for a robust, class-oriented agenda. Meanwhile, figures like Bernie Sanders continue to draw support through their focus on economic justice.

Historically, the Democratic Party relied on non-college-educated voters, a group that has since seen a decline in support. This trend was especially pronounced in the 2024 presidential election as turnout among working-class Democrats plummeted to historic lows.

Despite emphasizing social issues and climate initiatives, the party failed to adequately address the economic hardships faced by millions. Consequently, many working families chose not to participate in the electoral process.

In contrast, Sanders’ prior campaigns highlighted the efficacy of class-based messaging to unify diverse voter groups. Notably, in 2016, he outperformed Hillary Clinton in economically distressed areas, gaining the trust of blue-collar and rural voters through a platform advocating for Medicare for All and higher minimum wages.

Elizabeth Warren also proposed significant economic reforms during her 2020 campaign, aiming to tackle monopolies and student debt. However, her contributions, along with Sanders’, were often overshadowed by the party’s focus on wealthier suburban voters.

This ongoing strategy has repeatedly failed to activate the party’s base.

The contrast between national struggles and local successes, such as Hernandez’s victory in Phoenix’s District 7, underscores the importance of authenticity in political campaigns. Her win demonstrated that working-class voters react positively to candidates who address their tangible concerns directly.

By campaigning on vital issues like affordable housing and community investment, Hernandez secured a decisive victory against a well-connected establishment candidate, indicating a demand for grassroots engagement.

Her success serves as a lesson: voters are drawn to candidates who exhibit genuine concern for economic justice, a quality often lacking in the Democratic Party’s broader strategies.

The examples of Sanders, Warren, and Hernandez present a clear pathway for the Democratic Party. To regain the faith of working-class families, the party must prioritize policies that address their economic circumstances. Many of these voters are disengaged not out of apathy but because their struggles are overlooked in favor of corporate interests.

In response, Democrats should:

• Focus on universal economic policies: Initiatives like Medicare for All and a living wage are broadly popular and should form the core of their agenda.
• Challenge corporate power: Implementing measures to curb monopolistic practices will resonate with voters dissatisfied with rising costs.
• Invest in grassroots campaigning: Community-based organizing, as exemplified by Hernandez’s approach, promotes trust and voter engagement.
• Reframe the narrative: Using the language of class struggle can unify voters who feel marginalized by existing policies.

The outcomes of the 2024 election should prompt serious reflection within the Democratic Party. As the engagement of working-class Democrats continues to wane, they risk ceding ground to Republicans who exploit economic grievances, however disingenuously.

Addressing rising income inequality, healthcare costs, and housing issues requires urgent and deliberate action. By drawing inspiration from Sanders, Warren, and Hernandez, Democrats can rebuild a coalition rooted in working-class values, as neglecting this group further jeopardizes future electoral success.

Hernandez’s victory and Sanders’ relevance illuminate a route for Democrats to rekindle their ties with working-class voters, emphasizing class-based messaging and a commitment to economic equity.

To ensure future victories, the Democratic Party must shift away from elite-driven tactics and prioritize the voices of working families, thereby realizing its promise of a more equitable society.