The midterm elections disappointed a lot of Democrats in Missouri because our candidates, good candidates for state or state-wide office, were not elected. They came close, but still they were sent home. The GOP trifecta in our state will continue for another two years. However, if you take a look at the results a little closer, you will find success for progressive ideals across our country and our state in the last election.
- The coalition of courage showed up on election day. The mid-term election turnout was historically large and that was driven by a diverse Democratic base of educated women, ethnic and religious minorities, progressive Christians, veterans, organized labor, gun violence activists, LGBQ advocates, environmentalists, and young voters hoping to change the direction of our country. There are now more than 12 million more registered Democrats in the U.S. than Republicans and they are motivated.
- When elections are fair, Democrats win. While all the races have not been called yet, as of this moment, Democrats have picked up 38+ house seats. Of these, the vast majority were won in districts determined by demographers or the courts in states that have banned gerrymandering. In this election, Missouri passed the Clean Missouri amendment which outlaws the Republican-mapped districts that have crippled our politics for a decade. Future elections in our state will be a little fairer and a little more honest in our state as well.
- Progressive issues are now front and center. Of course there will be an accounting of our executive branch– that is the constitutional responsibility of the House of Representatives. More importantly, social and economic justice issues wrapped around more affordable healthcare for all are on the slate and being actively pursued by the Democratic House majority. We also have seven new Democratic governors with charters to restore fiscal integrity with a people-first agenda. The Republican strategy of tax cuts for the wealthy has failed spectacularly and now it is our turn.
- Women are claiming their righteous role. Toxic masculinity has taken us to war around the planet and drained our resources; and taken an oppressive role in gender related domestic issues. In 2019, a record number of women from all walks of life are going to Congress, most as Democrats, with a clear-headed understanding of the real issues that face our country. (The Republican party, that still holds the Senate, became even more white-male dominated.) We are not there yet, but this election was a decisive move to representation that more accurately reflects our population.
- Integrity matters and honesty sells. Voters across the country have grown weary of the incessant lying of our current administration, virulent propaganda from the conservative media and the consistent negative campaigning of Republican candidates. Sure, that still moves bigots and the fearful to the the polls, but most Democratic candidates won with honest campaigns, promoting progressive ideals and a positive outlook– even in the face of blistering attacks from dark money groups. Rejecting corporate sponsored messaging is a movement now.
Other things happened in our state that will help set the stage for future elections. Democrats and labor are working together again to help working families. Rural counties had more Democratic candidates to vote for and became just a little more blue. Democrats proved ballot initiatives can prove the value of progressive change even in a divided state. Most importantly, organization happened and the next generation of Democratic leaders have started to rise.
The wheel is turning in Missouri and, while the divide still seems great, progress was made in the 2018 midterms. We tend to be late adopters of trends that start at the coast and move inland, but welcome change is coming if we stay strong.
— Mark Toenjes, WCD member