Look Beyond Democrats’ Discontent for Success

Right now, it’s easy to find a news story about the Democratic Party’s apparent lack of strategy to counter the executive orders pouring out of the Oval Office and policy proposals from a Republican-controlled Congress. Contrary to the first Trump Administration’s surprise victory in 2016, President Trump’s second Administration came prepared to hit the ground running with a political campaign of shock and awe. 

But it’s shortsighted to automatically assume that Democrats don’t matter in the minority. Even though it may look like Democrats can do very little to counter the new one-party rule in Washington, it’s important for business leaders to look beyond headlines to find opportunities to craft a strategic approach to achieve results. A smart plan will include the Democratic Party, just as a smart plan in 2021 included the GOP. 

The Realities of Legislating

Despite one-party rule in Washington, Democrats still have power to influence legislation. The slim Republican majority in the House will force Republicans to maintain strict party allegiance or rely on Democrats to find policy consensus. Depending on where factions of the Republican Party stand on a particular issue, Republicans may need Democratic votes to advance legislation. Consider the debt limit. In 2023, hardline Republicans voted against then-Speaker McCarthy to suspend the debt ceiling, forcing the Republican speaker to rely on Democratic support to get it across the finish line. 

Thanks to the filibuster rule in the Senate, Republicans need 60 votes to pass most legislation, which has already forced Republicans to work with Democrats. While Republicans will be able to bypass this rule on a few pieces of major legislation during the reconciliation process, they will need Democratic support for legislation that they cannot include in reconciliation. 

Opportunity in the New Political Landscape

The Republican Party is not the reliable voice for corporate interests it once was in the past. The unpredictable reality of the Trump Administration and rising populism in the Republican Party offers new opportunities for business leaders looking to capitalize on the new political landscape, both inside and outside of the Beltway. 

CEOs and C-Suite executives should look for ways to appeal to both sides of the aisle with a strategy that transcends party lines. With inflation and cost of living still top of mind for American families, a consumer-based approach will return dividends on both sides. Leaders should also pay close attention to the changes in the center-left media landscape. Just as conservative media have evolved over the last few years with the rise of podcasts and right-wing influencers, more non-traditional liberal outlets have emerged since January 20 as a response to the Trump Administration.  

The 2026 Elections Are Coming 

History favors the minority party in the midterm elections. This is why it’s so important for business leaders to look beyond today’s news cycle. In the coming months, expect to hear more about the potential for Democrats to regain the House and possibly gain seats in the Senate. 

As Republicans prepare their major legislative package for consideration in the House and Senate, lawmakers will have to contend with the consequences–both good and bad–of any major policy changes President Trump signs into law. 

A smart business strategist would never think about projections and plans two years at a time. It takes thoughtful consideration and preparation for anticipated changes down the road to achieve success and build resilience against uncertainty. Industry leaders should be prepared with a bipartisan strategy that sets them up for success well beyond this year and next. 

Building these strategies is not a one-person job. ROKK Solutions’ full-service bipartisan team has helped clients win the toughest battles in Washington. Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help your business, organization or advocacy group reach the right audiences with your story.