Searchlight’s Marc Dunkelman on how newly-elected leaders in New Jersey and Virginia can work to restore trust in government.

“Democrats need to demonstrate to voters that when they are handed the reins, government gets better at solving real problems.”

Affordable housing and prices were the two top priorities for voters heading into the final days of the New York City mayoral. Crime was third.

Voters say Zohran Mamdani prioritized affordability more than Andrew Cuomo — who instead prioritized crime.

We analyzed hundreds of ads, TikTok posts, and YouTube videos during the New York City mayoral.

Affordability was mentioned in nearly 80% of Zohran Mamdani's content during the election.

In all the content from Andrew Cuomo? Only a third.
www.searchlightinstitute.org/research/how...

“When a voter is unconvinced that a political party wants ‘good’ things for them, even the best crafted policies or messages quickly run up against a hard brick wall of resistance.”

Read more here: searchlightinst.substack.com/p/the-chart-...

We checked in on what voters think Democrats and Republicans want for them. The good news for Democrats is that they’re narrowly winning on “feeling stable in your personal life.” The bad news for them is that Republicans dominate on everything else: wealth, marriage, kids, and more.

🚨We’re growing! Searchlight is hiring for two key roles to support our team.

Apply here: www.searchlightinstitute.org/jobs/

Conservatives spent decades building a talent pipeline. Liberals must build their own—or stay stuck playing defense. That's why we built the Searchlight fellowship program.

We're looking for bold solutions to today's toughest challenges.

Pitch us yours.

After 2024’s crushing defeat, no real reckoning ever came.

Damage Assessments will dig into the policies, practices, & strategies that left liberals in the minority—and map a path forward.

many people are saying

Our new poll captures a complexity about American voters: They view climate change as a problem, but they want leaders to prioritize addressing other issues like affordability and healthcare.

Elected officials can and should lead on issues that they care deeply about, even if they are out of step with public opinion. However, leaders should be clear about where the public stands and not be fooled into thinking an issue is popular when it is not.

Americans agree that housing is too expensive. But they aren’t sure that an increase in supply will lead to lower prices:

The 2030 Census is around the corner. If governors in states that are bleeding residents are serious about maintaining their representation, they can use their executive power to build housing.

I’d like to introduce you to the Searchlight Institute. We believe that a realignment is not just possible, but necessary – and we are here to make it happen.

Ideas matter. Throughout history, new ideas have spelled the end of one era and the beginning of another, rearranging political coalitions and sparking realignments. Today, we believe that a realignment is not just possible, but necessary. We invite you to join us.