President Trump and his allies are currently challenging the fragile base of American democracy. They have, in recent acts reminiscent of his behavior after his 2020 loss, accused the California primary election of being ‘rigged’, and the FBI, acting on his orders, recently targeted an Ohio voter registration group.
Despite these concerns, there are measures we can all take immediately to safeguard—and even strengthen—democracy in the United States.
Learning from Wisconsin
Wisconsin provides a useful example. As a former chair of the state Democratic Party, I observed its transition from what journalist David Daley termed a ‘democracy desert’ to a competitive battleground state. It stands on the brink of becoming solidly Democratic this fall.
We can extend Wisconsin’s success across the nation. It begins by transforming political anxiety into efforts to reinforce the democratic foundations, ensuring fair play for candidates from all political parties.
The Call for Comprehensive Efforts
Successfully transforming the national landscape requires effort from all citizens—Democrats, independents, and Republicans—dedicated to rebuilding a robust and equitable democratic order.
Convincing someone to change their voting behavior is challenging. Yet, saving democracy doesn’t require a mass change of mind. In 2024, only 7,309 votes across three key districts gave Republicans control of the House, continuing Speaker Mike Johnson’s contentious leadership.
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