Slotkin says Democratic Party needs ‘new leadership’: ‘Old models are no longer working’

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she believes the Democratic Party is in need of “new leadership,” arguing that the party never completely recovered after its losses in the 2024 elections. 

During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter” on Wednesday, the senator told host Stephen A. Smith, “Every day there’s a debate within the party about the path forward.”

“That’s why I believe we need significant new leadership. The old models are no longer working, and that includes the Democratic Party,” she said.

Slotkin explained that new leaders are needed in both the House and the Senate, adding that her party needs to center its focus more on a few key issues.

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“Democrats were soundly defeated in 2024. I was in a swing state, and I won that same year. To me, the lesson was simple. Democrats had too many priorities. They tried to make everyone happy and answer every question. When you prioritize everything, no one knows what you actually stand for,” Slotkin said.

“Donald Trump came in with one clear message. He said, ‘I’m going to make your life more affordable. I’m going to put more money in your pocket.’ He won because he kept his message simple and focused on the issue Americans cared most about,” she added.

Earlier this week, Slotkin said in a speech that Democrats need to get back to basics by addressing issues such as the economy and education.

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“We just need to show people that what we care about is an economy where if you work hard and play by the rules, you get ahead and your kids do better,” she said at the time.

Slotkin’s call for new leadership comes as Democratic socialists and other progressive candidates posted several victories in New York’s Democratic primaries this week, backed by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign has emphasized affordability and improving conditions for working-class residents.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has sought to ease tensions within the party since taking office in February 2025. However, Slotkin suggested a broader change in party leadership would be necessary to produce a meaningful shift.

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A group of Democratic senators had sought to replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., over how he handled last year’s government shutdown, The Wall Street Journal reported in March.

Democrats in the Senate will elect a party leader after November’s general election through a secret ballot.