New Generation of Democratic Leaders Emerge, Prioritize Connecting with Voters

Lis Smith discusses how a new wave of Democratic candidates are using innovative communication strategies to reach voters and challenge the party establishment

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:03am

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In an interview, Lis Smith, a senior adviser to political groups Majority Democrats and the Bench, discusses how a new generation of Democratic leaders are emerging who are able to effectively communicate with voters in the modern media landscape. She highlights candidates like Representative Pat Ryan of New York, who uses his experience as a war veteran to convey a visceral opposition to the war in Iran, and Zohran Mamdani and Daniel Lurie, two mayors who have mastered the art of using social media and video to directly connect with their constituents. Smith argues that the ability to communicate in both long-form and short-form mediums is now essential for political success, and that the Democratic Party needs to recruit more non-traditional candidates who can reflect the experiences of their communities.

Why it matters

The Democratic Party is attempting to reinvent itself ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, seeking to overcome perceptions of being "woke, weak and out of touch" among working-class voters. The emergence of a new generation of Democratic leaders who can effectively communicate and connect with voters is seen as crucial to the party's efforts to regain trust and win back key seats, especially in red states.

The details

Smith highlights several examples of Democratic candidates who are breaking the mold of traditional politicians. Representative Pat Ryan of New York, a former Army intelligence officer who served in Iraq, has been praised for his visceral and patriotic messaging on the war in Iran, speaking in language that resonates with voters who have experienced war firsthand. Zohran Mamdani, a popular mayor, is lauded for his savvy use of social media, quickly capitalizing on news and events to amplify his message. Meanwhile, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has found success by embracing an authentic, unpolished social media presence that gives residents a real-time window into his work.

  • In March 2026, the Pentagon requested $200 billion to fund the war in Iran.
  • Earlier in March 2026, the Democratic Senate candidates in Maine, Graham Platner and Janet Mills, spoke out against the war in Iran.

The players

Representative Pat Ryan

A former Army intelligence officer who served in Iraq and earned two Bronze Stars, Representative Pat Ryan of New York is a member of the Majority Democrats organization and has been praised for his visceral and patriotic messaging on the war in Iran.

Zohran Mamdani

The popular mayor of an unnamed city, Zohran Mamdani is known for his savvy use of social media, quickly capitalizing on news and events to amplify his message and connect with constituents.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie has found success by embracing an authentic, unpolished social media presence that gives residents a real-time window into his work, resulting in a 71% approval rating.

Graham Platner

A candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine, Graham Platner is a post-9/11 war veteran who has used his experiences to convey a visceral opposition to the war in Iran.

Janet Mills

A candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine, Janet Mills has criticized President Trump's ability to unilaterally engage in a war with Iran without consulting or getting authorization from Congress.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.