In the 2025 elections, if you reside in one of the participating states or municipalities, or have been observing political trends over the past decade, you might have noticed a recurring theme: Democrats continue to lack a fresh electoral strategy beyond focusing on Donald Trump. His influence seems to loom large over their discussions, and much of their campaign dialogue centers around him. As a party, they appear to be struggling with new ideas, heavily leaning on anti-Trump sentiments as their primary appeal to voters.

In Virginia’s gubernatorial race this year, Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears was labeled as a Trump loyalist, which is quite ironic. Earle-Sears had previously advised the GOP to move beyond Trump following his 2022 presidential campaign announcement, and notably, Trump did not endorse her run. Her approach was far from the MAGA ideology, a stance that may have hindered her campaign, yet the Democrats persisted in linking her to Trump regardless.

It seems they just can’t move past him.

They just can’t quit him.