Now that Trump and Republicans in DC have eked out passage of their “Big Ugly Bill,” state legislatures are the last line of defense against MAGA’s bleak vision for America where essential and life-saving programs like Medicaid and SNAP that benefit millions are cut back to pay for hefty tax breaks for the wealthiest few. While MAGA extremists celebrate the wholesale dismantling of essential services their own constituents depend on, state Democrats are holding them accountable, winning key special elections, and using their power to stand up for Americans in all fifty states. State legislatures with blue majorities are showing Democrats leading with their values and prioritizing the people they serve.
With the Trump administration taking an actively hostile stance towards working Americans, state legislatures are the frontlines where Democratic lawmakers are fighting the reckless policies in DC. The contrast between Democrats and their Republican counterparts couldn’t be more stark. Legislatures with Democratic majorities are leading by passing key policies that put their constituents first, while the GOP continues to capitulate to Trump’s harmful agenda at every turn.
Senate Democrats have protected and expanded health care access, lowered prescription drug costs, increased funding for safety net hospitals, and we’ve ensured reproductive freedom is a right, not a privilege.
– DLCC Board Chair and New York Senate President Pro Tempore Andrea Stewart-Cousins
The Big Ugly Bill is a clear statement that Trump and the MAGA movement don’t care about working families. There is nothing in this law to address any of the day to day issues Americans struggle with like the rising cost of living or access to health care and other basic necessities. Instead it is a blatant transfer of wealth from the middle class and our nation’s most vulnerable citizens to the most wealthy Americans.
It is taking money from programs that keep people healthy, either personally or through community options, and basically giving it to the wealthiest in this country.
– Nevada Assembly speaker Steve Yeager
State Democrats recognize the danger Republicans pose to working families and are working overtime to build a blue firewall to protect them from the fallout of Trump’s bill. At the legislative level, voters continue to reject MAGA candidates as Democrats win special elections nationwide, bringing home victories in red, blue, and purple districts while overperforming by an average of 10 points – even in communities that heavily favored Trump in 2024. It’s critical that we capitalize on the growing momentum behind Democratic candidates to defend existing blue majorities and establish new ones in as many legislative chambers as possible.
That’s what we stand for. Making it easier and more affordable to go to college, as opposed to less affordable, which is what they just did in the big ugly bill. We’re gonna let people know about that.
– Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes
Republicans have no problem with pulling health care from seniors and veterans or taking away school meals from hungry students because they think the consequences will fall on someone else. It’s up to us to show Trump and his allies in the states that they’re accountable for the harm they cause. The DLCC works year-round to identify and support legislative races across the country that will have the most impact in helping Democrats take back power in the states. Now is the time to support these candidates, take a stand at the ballot box, and demand responsible governance by giving your support to Democrats who are ready to fight back and protect our health, our communities, and our future.
