Trickle‑Down Politics Doesn’t Work

The Problem With “Unwinnable” Districts

For four years, our Executive Director Derek Marshall—now leading Local Democracy Project—ran for Congress in a Southern California district the Democratic establishment deemed “unwinnable.” It was “too red,” they said—so why invest?

This mindset reflects a central flaw in our political strategy. Rather than building long-term power across local, state, and federal levels, most resources go toward top-of-the-ballot races considered viable in a single cycle.

We Must Think Five Steps Ahead

We need to invest with a long view. Even if we lose a federal race, winning down‑ballot seats means starting the next cycle with more allies in office.

Most campaigns lack a down-ballot strategy—and they lose. Money and voter engagement rarely trickle down because the bulk is spent on ads for a single candidate.

Trickle-down economics doesn’t work in our economy—and it doesn’t work in our politics.

This kind of five-step thinking is exactly what drives the Local Democracy Project’s approach to building long-term power—starting local and growing out.

The Case for Trickle-Up Power Building

We need a politics grounded in trickle-up power building. It centers everyday people and creates stronger campaigns.

Derek knew winning his federal race would take time. But he also knew that building local power was essential to long-term Democratic success.

A Local Strategy in Action

In cities across his district, Democrats outnumbered Republicans—yet MAGA Republicans held every city council seat. So Derek and local leaders got to work. They connected with Democratic clubs, unions, Working Families Party chapters, and supported candidates for city council, school board, water board, and community college trustee seats.

Derek’s campaign, grounded in the values of Local Democracy Project, wasn’t just about Congress. It was about laying a foundation for real, lasting power.

Tangible Results, Even Without a Win

Though he didn’t win his congressional race, the campaign helped flip and strengthen local seats. The organizing infrastructure grew stronger.

Local Democracy Project helped ensure those victories weren't isolated, but part of a growing, durable ecosystem—pushing the district closer to future state and federal wins.

A Nationwide Problem, a Nationwide Opportunity

This story isn’t unique. It’s happening across the country. Derek’s experience mirrors that of countless Americans in rural or exurban areas outside the Democratic Party’s traditional focus.

As someone who has knocked on tens of thousands of doors in these communities, Derek saw the disconnect: our national politics wasn’t reflecting people’s needs, and the traditional strategy ignored a key ingredient—the people.

That’s why Local Democracy Project is committed to reaching beyond traditionally “safe” districts—organizing where others overlook, and building where others dismiss.

What If We Funded These Places Differently?

Nearby districts received tens of millions based on Cook PVI scores. What if that funding were shared more equitably? What if so-called “unwinnable” areas were resourced properly?

Local races build the bench of future leaders. They’re also the most effective at mobilizing voters, because they address issues that affect daily life. Got a pothole in front of your house? Your city council member can fix it.

When voters are excited about local races, they’re more likely to turn out for state and federal candidates too.

Local Candidates Are Powerful Organizers

Local candidates are like turbocharged precinct captains. They engage directly with their neighbors—not just with promises, but with the power to make real change. Whether it’s school funding or land use decisions, they have immediate impact.

Local races also give valuable feedback about what working-class voters need—many of whom are drifting away from the Democratic Party.

Local Democracy Project sees these candidates as more than placeholders—they’re the frontline of democratic renewal.

Republicans Have Known This for Decades

While Democrats funneled millions to consultants, Republicans knocked doors, registered voters, and built local power. They didn’t just express frustration—they organized it.

While Democrats ran ads, Republicans were winning school boards, city councils, and county seats. That’s the foundation of their national victories.

It’s Time to Get Back to the Roots

We’re in a moment similar to Barry Goldwater’s 1960s effort to dismantle the New Deal. The right built a long-term strategy. Now it’s our turn to do the same.

Too often, we wait for a rockstar candidate to save us. But real change doesn’t come from the top. A presidential candidate can’t shake millions of hands—but thousands of local candidates can.

They can meet neighbors, listen, and fight for them—not corporate donors.

Our Path Forward: Local Democracy Project

This is how we win: we organize. We build local power. We invest in real people—not just in targeted districts, but everywhere.

That’s the inspiration behind Local Democracy Project: long-term, people-powered campaigns to build durable, community-rooted political power—nationally and from the ground up.