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HUGH HEWITT: The GOP is wounded, not dead — but recovery has to start now
Hugh Hewitt argues that the Republican Party has suffered a severe defeat but can recover if it begins rebuilding now. He says the result should prompt the party to recruit new candidates, develop a future leadership team and offer a clear agenda, with Donald Trump still playing a central role.
Hewitt points to past Republican setbacks, including losses after Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign and the party’s decline in 2006–09, followed by later recoveries. He says Republicans have three election cycles before the next census-driven redistricting begins after 2030; based on results still being counted, Democrats could control all three branches of state government in 21 states, Republicans in 19, with divided government in 10.
In short
- Hewitt says Republicans can recover from a major electoral defeat.
- He urges the party to start recruiting and rebuilding now.
- State-level control could shape redistricting after the 2030 Census.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The defeat need not mark a lasting collapse: past Republican losses were followed by renewed electoral strength, and acting quickly could give the party time to recruit candidates, develop leaders and present a clearer agenda before the next redistricting cycle. Keeping Trump central may also make sense to supporters who see his influence as essential to holding the party’s coalition together and motivating its voters.
The case against
Comparisons with past recoveries may offer limited reassurance if the party does not address the causes of this defeat; rebuilding around the same central figure could constrain its ability to attract new voters or develop independent leaders. With Democrats potentially controlling more state governments involved in the next three election cycles, delay or an unclear agenda could leave Republicans less able to shape policy and future electoral maps.