How Dems With The Midterms In 2026 w/ Amanda Litman

Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, returns to Fast Politics with host Molly Jong-Fast to discuss the growing wave of young and diverse candidates stepping into local races across the United States. Litman highlights an unprecedented uptick in enthusiasm, with over 80,000 aspiring candidates signing up in the past year alone—more than during the entirety of Trump's first term. She attributes this surge to widespread frustration with the political status quo, pressing issues like housing and child care affordability, and a renewed sense of urgency among young individuals to take direct action. The conversation also dives into recent red-to-blue flips, competitive primaries, the promise of a Democratic "Tea Party" movement, and the party’s need to empower down-ballot candidates who are well-positioned to make tangible change. Looking ahead to 2026, Litman emphasizes the significance of building long-term infrastructure in overlooked states, the emergence of local issues like AI regulation, and the critical role primaries play in strengthening the party’s candidates and values.

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