What Next?
The MAGA resistance seeks to carry its momentum.
By Fitch Melson
Democrats scored big this November with sweeping wins across the nation– from New Jersey and New York to Virginia, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and more. And unlike what Speaker Mike Johnson claimed, these were not solely wins in Democratic states and Democratic cities; these wins are indicative of a movement against Trumpism and towards change. From moderate winners exemplified by Governor-elects Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, to democratic-socialist Zohran Mamdani, this election cycle had it all. This push for new blood at the helm of state and local-level leadership shows that the country is ready to protect human rights and combat the lunacy of Trump’s second term in office. The November 2025 elections should be a sign of hope for a shift in the political atmosphere in the United States. However, the momentum should not cease here. Our democracy depends on this being the jumping-off point for change, not the epitome of “what could have been.” This election broke historic records, but this is no time for being complacent.
While I was sitting at home waiting for the results of the Virginia gubernatorial election, I was optimistic that former House Rep. Abigail Spanberger would secure the win. And win she did. I was filled with joy seeing the result of one of the most highly publicized elections in our Commonwealth’s history- even more so when she mentioned that the time is now for “pragmatism, not partisanship.” Pragmatism is not only what Virginia needs, but what the whole nation needs. Spanberger exudes this idea with her leadership style. She advocates for not just individual autonomy and freedom, but for keeping Virginia communities safe. She brings both sides together in her approach, and I hope this continues through her time as governor. In this light, it is vital to realize that our nation is being controlled by a power-hungry president who encourages the opposite– being partisan and having enemies. I am extremely proud to have met Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger on numerous occasions and believe that the next state session will bring laws that make the lives of all Virginians better and safer. I believe in her and her mission, but I also believe that our federal government, the people we elect directly to the U.S. Congress, needs to step up as well.
Recently, the longest shutdown in our nation’s history ended after 44 days. This exemplary behavior from our government demonstrates that change is necessary, and the fight is not yet over. We must pressure all of our federal lawmakers to push back against Trump and to enact legislation that helps the many, not the elite few. We need to push our elected officials to address the immigration crisis, both the treatment of immigrants and the securing of our border. We should also pressure our leaders to reform our education system and tackle the national debt. When we ignore these problems, we don’t just harm specific communities; we weaken the foundation of our entire democracy. These are not fringe concerns; they’re central to whether our system works for everyone or just a privileged few. Seeing new leaders win elections across the country is one step further to having our democracy change for the best, but fixing our nation’s preeminent problems does not end there.
I was overwhelmed with happiness seeing the results just a few short days ago. I am not saying that we need a blue wave of politicians to win across the nation for me to be happy (although I am certainly not convinced that that would be a bad thing for the country right now). However, what I am arguing for is for those who were elected to step up. Fight for the policies you ran on to help the people you are responsible for live better lives. Do not back down from a challenge because you are scared to piss off the MAGA Republicans. Encourage your team and the politicians who look to your leadership to work with the other side of the aisle to help all constituents, not just those who voted for you. We are in this precarious situation today because many Americans felt lost and unaccepted as a result of impractical and poor leadership. My hope is that the leaders elected on November 4th change this narrative and continue a movement across the nation to elect leaders who want positive, pragmatic change that actually helps, not a grandiose idea that few benefit from (and that is achieved through bullying).
The state of our democracy is truly in our hands. If we can elect (hopeful) change makers across the nation in an off-year, then I am certain we can elect many more in the midterms and get rid of the MAGA filibuster on American political thought, rhetoric, and policies. Fight not with violence but with your words, with your vote, and with strong policy ideas that encourage people that the United States can once again be a country with integrity. On a closing note: real change happens when a few ordinary people with brilliant, yet simple, ideas come together to create a meaningful impact. It is our duty to elect these people, and it should be our mission to help them and hold them accountable once they are elected. Be hopeful with what has happened, but do not settle for mediocre performance.