governing can make life better. It's an inspiring message - but what we also saw is these new candidates have to fight both the right AND the establishment dems.

If candidates truly want success in '26 they should study the people powered campaigns of Sam Foster, Mamdani, Wilson, Rohit, etc

political powers that used big money to fuel racist and bigoted attacks on the progressive candidate.

These themes keep coming up - and I know big headlines have said "affordability" is a winning message, but people voted for fighters. People backed candidates that were clearly communicated how

is big appetite for community focused policies in the 'purple' suburbs as well as deep blue cities.

@rohitforatlanta.bsky.social was a first time candidate backed by progressive orgs running for the nerdiest seat in gov't (city council president). He brought a new bold vision and faced entrenched

by JUST 91 VOTES - but votes are still being tallied, and both campaigns will almost surely be prepared for a recount.

Speaking of slim margins - 87 VOTES is all that separated @samformarietta.bsky.social from unseating a 5 term incumbent in one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Sam is showing there

during the campaign and he faced an incumbent who had done a reasonable job running the city. The incumbent however only kept his seat with just 50.03% - slim margins being a theme that showed up a lot on Tuesday.

Further west @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social just yesterday took the lead in her race

look at @linamkhan.bsky.social but the other 4 women on his transition team bring a hugely impressive level of experience. Mamdani is clearly not fucking around and plans on accomplishing some things.

@omarfatehmn.com lost his race for Mayor of Minneapolis, but his party endorsement was revoked

The Obama era consultants missed the boat on this one and a new crop of talent hasn't been cultivated by the Dems. Younger campaign talent went to other PACs and orgs (and campaigns)