WASHINGTON () Democrats are navigating challenges as they work to regroup ahead of the midterm elections. This week marks one year since former President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid following a widely criticized debate performance against President Donald Trump.

Despite the setback, Democrats are showing signs of strength in gubernatorial races. In Virginia, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is leading Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears in several polls. In New Jersey, former Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill holds a double-digit lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

Still, big questions remain about what lessons the Democratic Party has taken from its losses last November.

Year of introspection

spoke with more than a dozen Democrats across the party, and a common theme emerged: This has been a tough year, and the party is in a period of introspection about what it can do differently and what lessons it should learn.

Many acknowledge they need to return to their roots as the party of the working class, something they admit may have been lost in recent years.

Republicans passed a sweeping economic bill earlier this year, which could include cuts to programs such as Medicaid and food stamps. However, that could provide an opening for Democrats to sharpen their messaging: that their policies serve everyday Americans, while Republicans prioritize the wealthy.

Whether that message gains traction remains to be seen.

Challenges and opportunities

Polls show Democrats making gains on the generic congressional ballot, but disapproval ratings for the party remain at record highs. That means there’s still a lot of work to do.

One issue consistently raised is the need for “fresh blood.” While that doesn’t necessarily mean younger candidates, there’s a push to elevate new voices with bold ideas into leadership and high-profile roles.

“I don’t care if they’re in a super competitive seat or in a very deeply blue seat. The same cast of characters that got us here are not who is going to get us out of here ultimately,” said former DNC official David Hogg at the Hill Nation Summit.

A new approach to voter outreach

Another shift within the party involves a willingness to reach voters in traditionally conservative spaces.

Several Democrats gaining traction ahead of the 2026 elections are embracing appearances on right-leaning podcasts and cable news shows, platforms many had previously avoided.

As the midterms approach, the party is grappling with its identity, messaging and leadership, facing hard truths about what it will take to win in a rapidly changing political landscape.