The Celebration Is Over. Now Make Life Affordable. 2028 Is A Blink Away: Democrats

We took a significant loss as Republicans in this midterm. Congratulations to the Democrats.

Republicans lost this midterm badly, and many are asking why and how it happened. In times like these, activists and supporters should reflect on which messages connected with voters, which did not, and which strategies helped or held us back. That reflection will help us learn from this loss and build a stronger future. We should also be grateful for our constitutional republic and democracy. The power shift in America is significant, and it happened peacefully, without violence, major protests, or contested elections beyond the usual recounts. We often take for granted how Americans have handled these changes over the past 250 years.

Another factor in the huge Democratic win was a very contested election across much of America. Because Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate, they moved into the minority in Congress, while President Trump remained in office.

As a proud Somali American Republican activist-led organization, we put in a lot of effort for the Republican Party this election. The so-called ‘Somali card’ became a media focus after Nick Shirley’s viral story was picked up by Republicans at all levels. For context, Somalis make up only 0.08% of America’s population and 1.5% of Minnesota’s. Most Americans have never met a Somali. The result was costly: Democrats won control again, and Republicans lost races that were expected to close. The central issue was economic concerns, especially the cost of living, while Democrats effectively tied that issue to the war with Iran. A third factor was the perception of insensitivity linked to the Republican Party. I call this the Nick Shirley effect: the truth was told, but it became politicized, ethnicized, and divisive.

I have a unique background and faith in America. As a Black, Muslim, Somali immigrant, I have noticed that algorithms often assume we are all Democrats or left leaning, not conservative. For research, I follow a wide range of voices in America, including those who go viral with their commentary, beyond just mainstream media. The Republican Party was often described as insensitive, and some even called it racist in its policies. Because of that, every incident or inflammatory statement was highlighted for people of color, other faiths, immigrants, and even different Christian groups. This highlighting affected voters who some voted republicans in 2024 to switch party in 2026, and dignity concerns led many in this group to leave the party. It cannot be polled but surely had an effect.

I do not have a clear answer for what caused this major midterm defeat. But voters gave Democrats a mandate to govern in Congress and many states. That is why we can say democracy is a beautiful thing. Even though we worked hard for a Republican win in Minnesota, it is normal to feel disappointed, and it is okay to feel that way. At the same time, we must remember that setbacks are part of any movement. Now is our opportunity to come together, support one another, and regroup for the future. Republican people of color will outline how we start this process, focusing on Minnesota, especially in Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, and Anoka Counties. Inshallah, in the coming months, we will outline our strategy, method, and how we will teach many to organize these efforts going forward. We are doubling down on the republican party starting now, gearing for the next elections, if still alive and free, inshallah. And allowed to do the work.

Congratulations to the Democrats. We hope you succeed in governing and focus on real solutions, not just criticizing Republicans. When it comes to dignity issues, Democrats have done better, but for the other challenges, good luck. Because Americans have given you the mandate, the cost of living is now your responsibility.

Today, we salute both the Republican and Democratic parties as champions of democracy. We just had an election, and despite disagreements, we did not harm each other beyond words.
That is the strength of America after 250 years.
Democracy is a beautiful thing.