Since the election result in November, every Democrat has wondered, What happened and where do we go from here?

Only the deepest dive into those questions will produce the transformation needed for wins in 2026 and 2028. Victories ahead will not come about because we do what we already do, only better.

As someone who has worked with many organizations transforming their teams and corporate culture, I understand the psychological and emotional dynamics that damaged the relationship between the Democratic party and the American electorate. I am running for DNC Chair because I recognize that if such elements are not addressed, the victory we seek will not be achieved.

We cannot just fight our way out of this. We must also inspire people.

We cannot unify only through established political coalitions. We must also unify on the level of our ideals.

The DNC needs to be a 21st Century organization. We will not win with a 20th Century playbook. We must be willing to change, to embrace the unique psychological dynamics of this moment, and meet people where they are. We must dig deep into ourselves if we’re to have any hope of galvanizing enthusiasm for the Democratic brand.

The biggest challenge facing the Democratic party is repairing bonds of affection that have been frayed between us and the American voter. I see similar dynamics within the organization itself. And while we absolutely must improve our networking, preparation and selection of candidates; training of operatives; adopt a 50-state plus territories strategy; build a 24-hour-a-day communications network; wean ourselves off our attachment to the consultancy class; become far more transparent; diversify and decentralize power within the organization; and support issues up and down the ballot that affect voters within their local communities, we must also do more than that….

We must transform.

Having traveled the United States extensively, I have learned this: WashingtonThink is not AmericaThink. The operating system of the DNC is decidedly WashingtonThink, yet America is not in DC. A lot of America doesn’t even like DC!

America has changed, and so must we.

In successful companies today, the storyteller is as important as the technician. The public posture of the party has been out of touch with the thoughts and feelings of the American people, and if I am elected Chair that will change. There are voices in the organization who themselves feel unheard, unlistened to, even spoken down to. If I am elected Chair that will change. The American people subliminally pick up on an elitist vibe that permeates the party. If I am elected Chair that will change.

All that’s fine and good, I imagine you might be thinking. But what about the administrative tasks, the heavy lifting on the ground, the years of strategic experience we need to take on such things?

And you’re right; we do. Such a person is even running for the job already. But given the challenge before us, the highest administrative excellence is not enough. If I’m elected Chair, my first act will be to partner with them in taking this mission across the finish line. With our talents combined, we will create a burst of power that excites the country.

Our political goal for 2026 elections around the country is to sweep out the old and usher in the new. But for that to happen, the change must begin with us. To beat the Republicans, we’ll need both head and heart, both direction and inspiration, both strategy and charisma.

If elected Chair, I will orchestrate that. And the Democrats will begin again.