Democrats are Gaining Momentum on the Grassroots Level
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Hi Democrats,
It’s Election Day in Florida and Wisconsin! Democrats from all over the country have come together to support these candidates, donating to support their state parties, making calls to voters, and knocking on doors to get out the vote. November's elections were not long ago, and we know many of you are tired, but together, we’ve rallied around these candidates and their campaigns, and we’re hoping to secure more wins.
Democrats have overperformed in special elections so far this year — and thanks to your help and support, we’re hopeful we’ll see this again tonight.
Last week, DNC Deputy Executive Director Libby Schneider shared a memo highlighting Democratic victories in 2025 special elections. As the results from key states like Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota show, Democrats are gaining momentum at the grassroots level, with voters rallying against the Trump-Musk agenda. Now, Republicans are spiraling as they sweat and lose elections they assumed would be cakewalks.
Below is a full list of Democratic overperformances in special elections this year:
Pennsylvania
Dan Goughnour secured the Pennsylvania House majority for Democrats. Goughnour won by nearly 30 points, improving from Democrats’ performance in 2024.
In Pennsylvania’s Senate District 36, Democrat James Malone flipped a seat in a district that Trump won by 15 points in 2024 and has a 23-point Republican voter registration advantage.
Virginia
In Virginia’s 10th state Senate district, Democrat Jack Trammel overperformed the top of the November ticket by six points.
In Virginia’s 32nd state Senate district, Democrat Kannan Srinivasan overperformed the top of the November ticket and won his election by a 62-38 margin.
In Virginia’s 26th state House district, Democrat JJ Singh overperformed the top of the November ticket and won his election by a 62-38 margin.
Minnesota
In Minnesota’s Senate District 60 special election, DFL candidate Doron Clark won the election by a margin of 91-9 percent, outperforming the top of the November ticket by 14 points.
In Minnesota’s House District 40B, DFL Candidate David Gottfried outperformed the top of the November ticket by nearly two points.
Iowa
In the special election in Iowa’s Senate District 35, Democrat Mike Zimmer flipped a district Trump won by 21 points in November, overperforming the top of the November ticket by 14 points.
In Iowa’s House District 100 special election, Democrat Nannette Griffin outperformed the top of the November ticket by 24 points.
Connecticut
In Connecticut’s House District 40 special election, Democrat Dan Gaiewski overperformed the top of the November ticket by over 15 points.
Maine
In Maine’s House District 24 special election, Democrat Sean Faircloth outperformed the top of the November ticket by over 20 points.
Delaware
In Delaware’s Senate District 1 special election, Democrat Dan Cruce outperformed the top of the November ticket by over 15 points.
In Delaware’s Senate District 5 special election, Democrat Raymond Siegfried outperformed the top of the November ticket by nearly four points.
These remarkable Democratic overperformances and wins showcase our momentum and voters’ increasing frustration with what they’re seeing from this administration — and Donald Trump knows it. After last week’s upset in Pennsylvania, he withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for ambassador to the United Nations, because he’s scared of losing another special election.
As Chair Ken Martin says, Democrats need to compete everywhere and prove to voters that we are the Party that has their best interests at heart. With your help, that’s exactly what we’re doing in special elections nationwide.
Here Are Four Ways To Support the Democratic Party This Week:
Attend a People’s Town Hall: Democrats are holding town halls across the country to give the American people an opportunity to make their voices heard, even if their Republican representatives won’t show up. Keep an eye on this page to see when we will be in your state!
Stay Informed and Engaged: Follow @TheDemocrats and @FactPost on social media to stay up-to-date on what the DNC is doing to elect more Democrats and hold Republicans accountable.
Volunteer: Special elections in Florida and Wisconsin may be over tonight, but our work is just beginning. Fill out our volunteer form to learn about more opportunities to get involved today!
Start a Sustaining Gift to the DNC: Consider starting a monthly gift — just $5 can make a big difference. Your contribution helps the DNC support state parties and elect Democrats at every level nationwide. If you already make a monthly gift — thank you!
Around DNC HQ
Last Wednesday, DNC elected officers gathered at DNC HQ to engage directly with staff, answer questions, and discuss strategies for rebuilding the Party and charting our path forward. Here are some key takeaways:
Republicans have spent years dominating the media landscape, making it challenging for Democrats to get our messaging out. To counter that, we must amplify Democratic voices and create content that resonates across audiences.
Grassroots supporters are the backbone of our movement. Your energy and commitment to our efforts remind us of the progress we can achieve when we work together.
Organizing everywhere is the name of the game. The DNC is committed to organizing 365 days a year in every ZIP code. There is no such thing as a non-partisan election. Effective organizing means having Democratic representation from local school boards in rural Minnesota to Senate seats in Georgia.
Republicans are fueled by divisiveness and infighting. The more at odds we are with each other, the easier it is for them to continue to push and pass harmful legislation.
Chair Martin and Leader Jeffries are back in the DNC Studio!
On Monday, March 24, Chair Ken Martin and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sat down with SiriusXM host Reecie Colbert in the DNC Studio to host another National Grassroots Update and Call to Action. They shared an overview of the Party’s progress and outlined our path forward, emphasizing the importance of clear party messaging and organizing everywhere.
If you missed the live stream and want to watch the entire conversation, click the button below!
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Best,
Maya
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re helping you cut through the noise to get the content you want: The Blue Print is your free weekly update from the DNC Grassroots Team on what the DNC has been up to. Check back each week for updates on the Party's initiatives, ways to get involved, and important news.
On this point exactly: “to prove to voters that we are the Party that has their best interests at heart.” I haven’t seen a clear statement of what those interests are. I think that would be most helpful in winning for the future. More helpful, or at least equally helpful, than waiting for things to implode due to incompetence and immorality. Thanks for listening.
We need and organized and exciting platform. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/start-our-movement?r=3m1bs