GOP Strategist Urges Republicans to Act After Election Setbacks

UPDATE: In an urgent call for action, GOP pollster Frank Luntz has criticized leading Republicans for downplaying the significance of recent Democratic victories in off-year elections. Speaking on CNN with anchor Brianna Keilar, Luntz emphatically stated, “Get your act together!” as he addressed the need for Republicans to respond to the strong Democratic turnout observed on Tuesday.

Luntz’s remarks come as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) suggested that off-year elections hold little importance for the GOP. “It does matter. And Democrats voted and Republicans did not,” Luntz countered, highlighting a critical disconnect within the party. He emphasized that voter motivation is at an all-time high for Democrats, who feel their voices matter, while Republicans, feeling secure with their current power, are less engaged.

California’s Proposition 50 emerged as a pivotal issue, with Luntz arguing that the initiative could secure an additional five seats for Republicans in the Golden State, potentially leading to a total of ten seats for Democrats in the House. “That could very well make the difference in the majority one year from now,” he warned, underscoring the urgency for the GOP to reassess its strategies.

The pollster pinpointed the rising cost of living—including health care, food, and housing—as primary concerns driving voters to the polls. “It’s not inflation; it’s affordability,” he noted, drawing attention to how these issues are shaping the political landscape. The public is increasingly supporting candidates who they believe will address these challenges.

As Luntz spoke, the political dynamics in states like Virginia and New Jersey were highlighted, where newly elected Democrats like Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill are adopting moderate stances while focusing on affordability. “The president made promises. Now he has to keep them,” Luntz stated, emphasizing that voters are closely watching the administration’s response to rising costs.

Former President Donald Trump acknowledged that the recent elections were disappointing for Republicans, attributing the losses to a lack of engagement from his party’s base. Luntz reiterated that even though Trump was not on the ballot, the election results serve as a referendum on current public sentiment. “To some degree, yes. His people did not find a reason to vote,” he explained, stressing the importance of addressing voter frustrations.

The ongoing government shutdown has further compounded issues for both parties, with Luntz calling for immediate action. “The public doesn’t care who’s responsible. Just open up the gosh darn government,” he urged, reflecting widespread frustration over stalled legislative processes. He warned that voters are fed up with inaction, stating, “Get your act together. Do your job. Come together. Compromise and move everything forward.”

As both sides face mounting pressure, Luntz’s insights serve as a rallying cry for Republicans to reevaluate their approach ahead of the 2024 elections. The urgency for change is palpable, with Luntz asserting that failure to adapt could lead to significant repercussions for both parties in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.