A new report by legal scholar Joan C. Williams and Center for Working Class Politics researcher Jared Abbott argues that Democrats need to shift away from "defending democracy" as a core message and instead centre their pitch on working-class economic concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Titled "The Left's Coalition Crisis", the report contends that respecting working-class values such as self-reliance, patriotism and personal security is essential if the party wants to rebuild its electoral coalition after recent losses.

The findings draw on the Class Gaps Poll of more than 5,000 Americans, which found that working-class voters ranked "resisting authoritarianism" 19th out of 20 political priorities, compared with second place among college-educated liberals. The authors urge Democrats to embrace economic populism targeting a "rigged" system, avoid language that reinforces perceptions of disdain from college-educated liberals, and reframe policies such as climate action around jobs and energy costs rather than environmental ideals. Abbott pointed to some 2026 midterm candidates already adopting a sharper economic focus as an encouraging early sign.