Democrats Double Down On Project 2025

House Democrats are adopting a high-stakes strategy as they push to retake control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming November elections. Their tactic involves tying Project 2025, a contentious conservative policy agenda, to House Republicans in a bid to sway voters.

Democrats are consistently spotlighting Project 2025 in various forums—ranging from press conferences and legislative debates to committee hearings and informal discussions. They aim to paint Republicans as proponents of this controversial agenda, suggesting that if the GOP retains control of the House, they will advance the same conservative proposals next year.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) has voiced concern, asserting, “They’re on the road to trying to make these things a reality.” The Democrats are not limiting their efforts to Capitol Hill; they are actively promoting their message across the country.

In strategic meetings, Democrats have engaged outside experts to dissect the 900-page Project 2025 document. This initiative is designed to educate lawmakers on its more contentious aspects so they can effectively communicate these concerns to their constituents during town halls and district events.

Rep. Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-Calif.), who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, highlighted the importance of these educational sessions, especially on issues like education. She noted that members are seeking targeted information to address specific community concerns, such as education.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) spearheaded the Democrats’ Project 2025 task force, which argues that the conservative agenda—developed by the Heritage Foundation—threatens the core values of American democracy. Among its recommendations are drastic measures like curbing abortion access nationwide, abolishing the Departments of Education and Commerce, challenging the legality of same-sex marriage, and halting climate change initiatives. The plan also proposes a significant overhaul of federal employment practices to install conservative loyalists within government agencies.

The latest focus of the task force has been Project 2025’s immigration policies, which include stringent measures on border security, deportations, and legal immigration restrictions. Democrats are scrutinizing GOP candidates to identify overlaps with Project 2025’s proposals.

Vice President Kamala Harris recently criticized Project 2025 during a presidential debate, labeling it as a “dangerous plan” potentially endorsed by former President Trump. Trump, however, has distanced himself from the project, claiming ignorance and disinterest.

Despite Trump’s denial, Democrats argue that the coalition behind Project 2025 includes several Trump-era figures, such as Russell Vought and Stephen Miller, who might join Trump’s administration if he wins another term. This connection fuels Democratic concerns about the project’s radical nature and its potential influence on a future Trump administration.

Republicans dismiss these concerns as a desperate ploy by Democrats to distract from the Biden administration’s policies, which they argue are more damaging to American interests. Will Reinert, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, characterized the focus on Project 2025 as a smokescreen for Democratic failures.

Nonetheless, Democrats are buoyed by polls indicating that voters are increasingly aware of Project 2025 and its contentious proposals. Leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Pete Aguilar have emphasized the link between Project 2025 and GOP candidates, using it as a key campaign issue.

As Election Day approaches, Democrats are leveraging every opportunity to underscore the perceived threats of Project 2025. They argue that this strategy is resonating with voters, particularly in battleground states, where activists and constituents alike are expressing alarm over the conservative agenda. Rep. Barragán remarked on the growing awareness of Project 2025 outside of Washington, suggesting that even limited exposure to its controversial elements signifies a successful outreach effort.