John,



The midterm election is behind us and now begins the time to process what happened and chart how we move forward. While we still await certified results, we have a better idea of what the next few years of American politics will look like. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2022 midterms:





THE GOOD



- The 2022 midterm was secure and peaceful. No major incidents were reported, so let’s take a moment to be thankful for another successful election and thank poll workers for doing an outstanding job.

- Tuesday night was a very good night for Ranked Choice Voting. Cities across the country adopted RCV to conduct their local elections. While votes are still out in a number of places, it looks like coast-to-coast RCV is a winner.

- RCV is in the national spotlight in three competitive federal races: Maine’s 2nd Congressional race, Alaska’s At-Large Congressional Race, and Alaska’s Senate race. In 2020, RCV decided the outcome of Maine’s 2nd Congressional and it very well could decide it again. The same goes for both Alaska races.

- Voters are smarter, more nuanced, and less partisan than parties think. Ticket splitting across the country shows voters aren’t party-controlled and that people are independent by nature.



THE BAD



- Evan McMullin’s bid for U.S. Senate in Utah came up short. He built a historic cross-partisan coalition in Utah that ran more competitively than one of the major parties has in nearly a half-century. While the final outcome is disappointing, it’s also a reminder that every time you field a good candidate that makes sizable headway with the electorate, you make it easier for the next person. 

- Both parties will double down on national, culture war issues moving forward. The kitchen table issues that impact the everyday lives of constituents will continue to take the backseat to fiery wedge issues to keep the “us vs. them” mentality alive and well going into 2024.



THE UGLY



- The two major parties will learn the wrong lessons from Tuesday’s results. Democrats will continue to boost dangerous candidates because they think they are beatable - but it will backfire eventually. Republicans will continue to be split between more traditional conservatives and Trumpism, with the fringes muscling their way to the spotlight.



There is still much to unpack from this week’s election, but one thing is apparent: Americans want a better way. They supported voting reform across the board and even defeated anti-reform initiatives in Arizona and Arkansas. The opportunity to reshape the political narrative, refocus the dialogue on communities, and get things done for the American people is there - we just have to do the hard work and have the conviction to deliver. With your support, I know we can do it.



Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the Forward Party volunteers who donated their time, energy, and resources to our midterm efforts. Truly, thank you. I’d also like to thank all the great candidates who ran. As a former candidate myself, I know the toll it takes on your family and the amount of bravery needed to put yourself out there like that. 



Together, we are listening, learning, and charting the path forward for our communities and country. Thank you for being with us on this journey. 



Best,

Blair Walsingham

Communities & Building Team







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Forward Party - PO Box 9172, Fredericksburg, VA 22403, United States

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