“Shasti Conrad is a good friend. I’ve worked with her closely. I disagree with her on this,” he instructed The Customary throughout an interview on the state Capitol on Tuesday. “We won. I get that. But is it because we’re doing such a fantastic job, or is it because the Republican Party is simply unacceptable to over 50% of the electorate in the state of Washington? I’m of the opinion that it’s more the latter than the former.”
Smith, whose ninth Congressional District features a swath of south King County, believes Democrats have made errors with insurance policies they’ve pushed and lack credibility on points corresponding to public security, housing, schooling and immigration.
Nevertheless it hasn’t value them in Washington, he mentioned, as a result of the GOP just isn’t a viable different because it’s a captive to the intense agenda of President Donald Trump and his MAGA motion.
As different Democrats in Congress are more and more preoccupied with responding to Trump’s aggressive and controversial govt actions throughout his first days in workplace, Smith is scrutinizing his personal social gathering in his dwelling state and district.
“I understand why the American people have questions about the ability of the Democratic Party to govern effectively,” he mentioned. “I do. I’ve seen it in King County, and I’m concerned about it.”
Smith and Conrad replicate endpoints on an arc of opinions amongst Democrats about what went proper and incorrect in November.
This debate is unfolding because the Democratic Nationwide Committee prepares to pick out a brand new chair this weekend and as Conrad vies for a DNC management submit. The nationwide social gathering is trying to find a path to get well from final yr’s bruising losses.
Trump roundly defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, sweeping seven battleground states and making positive aspects with voting blocs and in locations throughout the nation which have historically leaned Democratic. The GOP additionally took management of the U.S. Senate from Democrats and held their majority within the U.S. Home.
These in Conrad’s camp argue that Democrats don’t must drastically change their message or positions and as a substitute should enhance how they convey with voters.
“We know we still have a lot to do on public safety, housing, and the cost of living,” she mentioned Tuesday. “We might argue about semantics — we are a big tent — but ultimately, Democrats from every wing of the party are offering actionable solutions while the Republicans continue their efforts to drag us backwards.”
Reasonable voices like Smith aren’t of the identical thoughts.
After the election, Smith declared his social gathering’s model “broken” and mentioned fixating on Trump wouldn’t be sufficient to restore it. “We have to be honest with the American people about our faults or limitations, listen to them and fix this going forward,” he mentioned in late November.
Smith acknowledged Tuesday his post-election name to motion has gone largely unheeded as his colleagues return to clashing with Trump.
Nonetheless, he’s pivoted, directing criticism towards Democrats’ shortcomings in Washington.
“Housing is not as available as it should be, and it’s too expensive. Homelessness is a big problem. Crime is a big problem. Drug abuse is a big problem. Efficient, effective government is a problem,” he mentioned.
“I think we have to improve governance in the state, and in particular in King County,” he mentioned. “If Democrats can prove that we can govern, we will be in a better position to influence national politics.”
Smith invoked the form of reform-minded message Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has voiced throughout his early days in workplace. “I like the approach that he took,” Smith mentioned of Ferguson, with whom he met privately Tuesday afternoon.
The congressman insists his emphasis on state and native issues just isn’t as a result of he’s involved in working for King County govt because the job opens up for the primary time in 15 years.
In the meantime, Conrad pushed again on the notion that Democrats in Washington are misreading voters and benefiting from weak opposition.
They succeeded in Washington due to a super-charged effort to succeed in voters and to get them to solid ballots. They made inroads in rural and suburban areas by pointing to “specific policies that are making their lives better,” she mentioned in an announcement.
“The Washington Way is the Winning Way,” she mentioned, “and I look forward to working with national leaders to implement the strategies and solutions that worked for us in 2024 on a national scale.”