Dec 12, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Exclusive: Jayapal pans Democrats' "seven state strategy"

Stephen Neukam

United States Representative Pramila Jayapal speaks during the news conference in the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, United States on December 5, 2024. — Repr. Pramila Jayapal speaks during a news conference in the US Capitol on Dec. 5, 2024. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), a leading progressive, said at an Axios event Thursday the Democratic Party needs to move away from its "seven state strategy" and reach out to a broader swath of voters.

Why it matters: Democrats are looking for ways to dig themselves out of their losses this November, with progressives arguing the party needs to do more to appeal to the working class.

"We are tired of a seven state strategy," Jayapal told Axios' Hans Nichols, alluding to the party's focus on just a handful of swing states.
Vice President Harris lost every swing state to President-elect Trump on Nov. 5.

The big picture: Jayapal and other progressives have argued the party should stop running to the center in general elections to better appeal to moderates and progressives.

"In doing that, not only do we not gain more people from the right, but we are losing our base," Jayapal said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the leading progressive voice in American politics, has made similar points in the aftermath of the Harris loss.

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Exclusive: Jayapal pans Democrats' "seven state strategy"

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