The 2026 midterm elections will feature important races at both the federal and state levels. The U.S. Senate race and the governor’s race will be the two most important for Georgia voters. Will Democratic Party messaging differ for these races, or will it stay the same?
Democrats will have to present themselves as having something to offer Georgians. They must make a case for why Ossoff should keep his seat. They must make a case for why a democratic governor would benefit Georgia.
Ever since Trump took back the presidency, the strategy has been relatively simple. Fight back against his agenda, publicize its drawbacks, and frame it as unrelenting authoritarianism.
Georgia democrats Raphael Warnock and Hank Johnson make for useful case studies. The rhetoric that they both employ online is a great example of the current strategy.
First, Warnock has made it a point to highlight certain practices or rumors. He frames them as resembling corruption or tyranny.
A recent example is his commentary on the possibility that the Trump administration will accept a luxury jumbo jet from Qatar. Warnock stated, “If President Trump moves ahead with this, it can be described as nothing less than corruption. Unabashed, unembarrassed, out in the open.”
Another example is his response to the arrests of judges and mayors opposing ICE practices. Warnock commented, “Arresting a mayor and a judge, snatching students who dare state their opinion off the street, running roughshod over due process. Make no mistake: These are authoritarian tactics that are un-American and ultimately render us all unsafe.”
Second, Johnson has also given his take on the actions taken against rogue judges and mayors. His take is largely the same.
Johnson commented, “Are they coming for you next? Or might I be next? We all must be ready to resist this wannabe dictator and his goons.”
Johnson also derides the administration for what he deems to be incompetence. This comes up in response to cuts made to social services.
For example, Johnson commented, “Our veterans should not have to fight for our country, return home then fight against cuts to their benefits and health care.”
To conclude, democratic messaging has taken a very strong opposition stance. In preparation for upcoming races, it will be interesting to see if democrats adjust their messaging to appeal to more republicans.
