The Democratic Party is at a significant crossroad, engaging in a debate that will shape its future direction. Recent elections and their coverage have highlighted the role of the party’s progressive side, leading to broader discussions about American politics. While these developments are notable, they may skew perceptions of the party’s future by focusing on primary elections and activist politics. It’s crucial to determine if this reflects the broader American voter’s views fully. The primary voters differ from those who decide general elections. America’s broader electorate is signaling differently than media headlines suggest.

We have over three decades of experience representing working communities in Congress. Our conviction has always been that a public servant’s role is to bring tangible results to the people, not merely win arguments. This belief led us to align with Next American Era, prompting a partnership with Morning Consult to understand voter expectations from leaders currently. With the 2026 midterms approaching, voters are expressing their desire for different leadership from what’s emanating from Washington.

Political leaders and commentators, from both political parties, often portray an America deeply divided without remedy. Our research, however, indicates that Americans seek leaders who can deliver solutions. Rather than yearning for sweeping ideological shifts, the majority prefer practical, actionable solutions. Specifically, 60% of voters favor targeted, commonsense approaches that address specific issues with minimal disruption.

This preference transcends party lines. A striking 72% of progressives and 71% of MAGA Republicans share the preference for collaborative outcomes over political point-scoring. Despite their opposing political ends, they largely agree on wanting pragmatic governance over ideological battles. This consensus is significant, forming a mandate both political parties currently overlook.

Delving further into the data, three-quarters of voters want their elected officials to compromise with the opposing party. This sentiment includes 88% of Progressives and 77% of MAGA Republicans. Around two-thirds emphasize the importance of practical, results-oriented solutions even if it requires bipartisan cooperation. Given today’s economic challenges, these findings carry additional weight. Over half of voters (58%) think America is on the wrong path. They are primarily concerned about inflation, energy costs, gas prices, and healthcare costs—real-world issues affecting families, small businesses, and workers.

When voters examine policy descriptions, moderate approaches frequently surpass both progressive and MAGA stances. The moderate preference is most notable for tariffs (plus-19 points), market competition (plus-14), and workforce development (plus-14) compared to progressive policies. Moderately-led policies significantly outperform MAGA alternatives, particularly in AI oversight (plus-27 points), gas prices (plus-19), and tariffs (plus-19).

Regarding political parties’ ability to address these challenges, the landscape is competitive and dynamic. Democrats have a slight edge in trust across every examined issue, with the largest margins in childcare costs (plus-10 points), healthcare affordability (plus-9), and housing affordability (plus-6). However, one in four voters remains skeptical about either party’s capability to deliver effective solutions, serving as a critical warning signal.

This data does not suggest a retreat to mediocre, compromise-driven politics. Voters want their leaders to maintain ambition and enhance efficacy. Across multiple issues, voters select approaches they believe will work and that can be implemented to improve daily life. To form a lasting coalition, leaders might focus less on ideological disputes and more on delivering results.

In this Next American Era, success lies with leaders who bridge the gap between voter expectations and political deliverables. We believe this gap exists because both parties prioritize vocal extremism over results. An economy fostering job creation, reducing family costs, bolstering infrastructure, and protecting consumers aligns with the broad American vision, unconfined to any political spectrum.

The midterms are approaching. Leaders have an opportunity to heed voter insights and pivot from ideological conflict to practical governance. We know where we stand and encourage more Washington leaders to join this path.

Cheri Bustos serves as president of Next American Era and was formerly chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, representing Illinois’s 17th District from 2013 to 2023. Joe Crowley acts as a senior advisor to Next American Era and was the previous chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, serving New York’s 14th District from 1999 to 2019.