President Trump is the best campaigner in a generation and having his name on the ballot has been a boost for Republicans. But if conservatives want to win in a post-Trump election landscape, we have to catch up.
Here’s how we do that:
1.) We must build out a political infrastructure to rival the left’s.
In Virginia alone, Republicans were outspent by about $40 million — much of which came from out of state. This was facilitated largely thanks to the left’s army of political operatives and organizations across the country. But it’s more than just fundraising. These groups work around the clock to staff campaigns, provide legal cover for candidates, build coalitions to support candidates, and do anything else that the campaign requires. They are the Walmart for Democrat campaigns. Republicans have these institutions too, but they are not yet able to rival the Democratic machine.
2.) We need to understand it’s 2025, not 2004.
Democrats have complex networks of activists and political operatives that are well equipped to win elections in the digital age. The Trump campaign recognized the value of a strong online presence, but the rest of the party is woefully behind. Communication with voters is no longer dominated by traditional TV ads. For every voter reached by a Republican TV ad, the left engages dozens more across a variety of social media platforms. We must develop a digital presence to compete online.
3.) We have to get boots on the ground, everywhere.
The old-fashioned “get out the vote” practices are still critical. That means door knocking, phone banking, and even ballot chasing where it can be done. Groups like Turning Point Action have helped conservative candidates in this regard, but they can’t do it alone. Heritage Action will be making a concerted effort to support conservative candidates on the ground in key states.
4.) We must show how conservative solutions meet the challenges voters are facing.
Sometimes we just need stronger candidates on the ballot. But, even with the strongest candidates, traditional GOP messaging can fail to connect with voters. The fact of the matter is that the promise of perpetual GDP growth isn’t a good campaign slogan anymore. While it might motivate voters with a stake in the stock market, it means very little to anyone else. Americans are having their jobs taken by foreigners on H-1B visas and our children are facing an uncertain future where they don’t believe they’ll ever be able to afford a home or start a family of their own. Meanwhile, the Democrats are gaining ground every day by enticing younger voters with the poisoned apple that is socialism. We can and must offer more to voters.
Now what?
It’s now or never for the Republican Party — with the 2026 midterms coming up, Democrats have the momentum. If they win back control of Congress, their first order of business will be to impeach President Trump and then undo all the progress we have made so far.
Republicans must put in the legwork to compete with the left. Rest assured that Heritage Action is committed to bringing about the changes needed to level the playing field for conservatives.
>> Want to help build out a permanent, grassroots infrastructure in your state? Become a Sentinel! Heritage Action is growing an army of patriots that are organizing conservatives to defeat the left’s political machine.
