With the economy under strain and democratic norms eroded under Republican leadership, the 2026 midterm elections should be a political slam dunk for Democrats. Confidence in core institutions is badly shaken, and many Americans are eager for leaders who can restore stability and uphold fundamental rights. Voters are frustrated by a spiraling economy, policy rollbacks, culture wars and a far-right campaign to dismantle hard-won protections — conditions that, at least on paper, ought to create a perfect storm for a Democratic resurgence, especially in a blue-leaning state like Maryland.

But here’s the rub: Democrats, both nationally and locally, appear determined to sabotage themselves.

Maryland has long been a Democratic stronghold, yet cracks have been growing more visible over the years. The divide between the party establishment, progressive activists and working-class voters is widening, and it’s emboldening political ideologies once considered fringe.

Gov. Wes Moore, considered a rising star with presidential aspirations, is being forced to walk a precarious line. Reparations legislation now on the governor’s desk, though morally grounded, is politically risky. With the state and the rest of the nation in a financial crisis and polls showing that even many Democrats view reparations as divisive, those in the General Assembly opted to pick now to advance this legislation. Meanwhile, Republicans relish painting the entire Democratic leadership as beholden to “woke ideology” while casting themselves as champions of economic common sense.

Gov. Moore faces a lose-lose scenario: If he pushes too hard, he risks alienating moderates; if he backs away, he risks losing progressives. Meanwhile, the state’s uneasy financial outlook, marked by concerns over budget balancing and inflation, amplifies voter unease about ambitious spending proposals, including reparations. His once-strong approval ratings are already slipping, risking any national ambitions he might have.

The party’s dysfunction is especially visible in the more conservative areas where far-right politicians like Congressman Andy Harris keep winning despite pushing conspiratorial rhetoric and positions out of step with most Marylanders.

Why do they keep winning? Democrats keep giving them the opening. While Democrats argue over messaging and advocate policies that fail to resonate with rural voters, those like Harris exploit every misstep.

Rather than trying to unite urban progressivism and rural pragmatism, Democrats often depend on anti-Trump messaging or niche issues that fail to reach places like Ocean City, Salisbury or Bel Air. Voters see a party fixated on symbolic battles rather than real solutions, allowing extremists like Harris to cruise to reelection.

This crisis goes beyond Maryland. Nationally, the Democratic Party seems paralyzed by ideological infighting. Over time, the loudest activists have pushed debates like defunding the police, reparations or transgender women in women’s sports into the spotlight, overshadowing core issues like economic stability, improving education, shaping foreign policy, expanding affordable housing and ensuring public safety.

In a state like Maryland, where many voters are moderate or center-left, this imbalance can be politically toxic. It bolsters GOP claims that Democrats are elitist and detached from everyday challenges.

Democrats must build coalitions by addressing swing voters and moderates, not just energizing the progressive wing. Currently, the party appears too fractured, reactive and hesitant to confront its own extremes. Democrats don’t need to abandon progressive ideals, but they must turn them into real-world policies that resonate with everyone.

If they fail, the fallout could be severe. The position that the Maryland General Assembly has put Gov. Moore in could become a cautionary tale. Meanwhile, far-right politicians like Harris will continue riding Democratic discord back into office.

If Democrats hope to prevail in the 2027 midterms, they must find leaders who speak plainly, address broadly shared concerns, and avoid handing Republicans easy victories. If Democrats fail to adjust course, they will only have themselves to blame when the far-right gains even more ground.

Marc Lester is a communications strategist who lives in Harford County.