1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I'm writing to you not just as a constituent, but as a committed Democrat who is deeply concerned about the direction and strategy of our party. I support the values we stand for, but I’m frustrated by how often we seem to focus on long-term goals while missing the urgent needs of the moment. This approach is hurting us politically, and it’s making it harder for voters to stay engaged and motivated. Republicans have figured out something that we often overlook. They move quickly. They deliver short-term wins that energize their base and show action, even when those wins are mostly symbolic. Democrats, on the other hand, frequently get bogged down in drawn-out negotiations, complex legislation, and years-long strategies. While the bigger picture matters, people also want to see progress now — something that improves their lives or gives them hope that someone is fighting for them in real time. There are things we could do right now that would make a real difference within months, not years. We could cancel interest on federal student loans. Even without full forgiveness, this would give immediate relief to millions of borrowers. We could push harder for marijuana to be reclassified federally and issue broad pardons for nonviolent marijuana offenses. This would have a major impact, especially among younger voters and communities that have been disproportionately affected. We could also do more to fight the high cost of living. Expanding caps on insulin and prescription drugs would help working families who are struggling right now. Taking a stronger stance against corporate price gouging and actually calling it out publicly would go a long way in showing voters that Democrats are not afraid to confront powerful interests on their behalf. Reproductive rights are another area where we can do more today. People are not just looking for statements, they want to see real efforts to protect access to care across state lines, support clinics and patients, and challenge unjust laws directly. The same goes for voting access. There are legal and administrative tools we can use to protect people’s right to vote, especially in states where it is under threat. I know none of this is easy. But voters need to feel like the people they elected are working with urgency, not just vision. We can’t afford to keep saying "we’re working on it" while Republicans deliver quick, visible results to their base. If we want to win in November and beyond, we have to show people that we can lead in the short term too. Thank you for your work. I hope you will continue to fight for long-term progress, but also that you’ll help lead a shift toward action that makes an immediate difference in people’s lives.