George Hornedo: The Party Won’t Change Unless You Change It
By George Hornedo
American democracy is at an inflection point. Our political debates have grown more polarized, and many citizens feel disillusioned, disconnected, and disempowered. But here’s a fact that has always been true: change doesn’t come from waiting on Washington or clinging to the same old playbook—it comes from new leaders stepping up with fresh ideas, bold vision, and the willingness to get involved at every level.
The Democratic Party needs a new generation of leadership—not defined by age (although gerontocracy is arguably not our best bet) or ideology, but by a commitment to solving the challenges of our time. If we want a party that reflects the concerns of everyday Americans, we need everyday Americans to step into the arena.
If we want a party that reflects the concerns of everyday Americans, we need everyday Americans across the political spectrum to step into the arena. I want to see more next-generation and results-oriented leaders in office– people like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Texas State Rep. James Talarico, New York Assemblyman Alex Bores, and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
These elected officials and the thousands of next-generation leaders working at the local and state level show that change starts at the bottom, not the top.
And the future of the Democratic Party isn’t written in Washington; it’s being shaped right now in precinct meetings, local party committees, and grassroots organizing efforts across the country. The question is: who will step up to lead and be a voice for these crucial efforts?
The opportunity is there. Across the country, local Democratic organizations are hungry for fresh energy and new perspectives. Whether you’re passionate about education, economic opportunity, climate solutions, or protecting fundamental rights, your voice is needed. Serving on a precinct committee, running for a local party position, or simply organizing your community are not symbolic gestures; they are the foundation of lasting political impact. And they are the way we’re going to come back from this new era of destruction and chaos.
Take it from someone who has spent years working with political candidates and elected officials. You don’t need a title or a political resume. What matters is the willingness to step up, learn, and stay in the fight. Gatekeepers may try to maintain the status quo, but the party has always evolved when courageous individuals have stepped up to challenge assumptions (and sometimes incumbents!) and push for progress.
This moment demands that kind of courage – and it demands people who have never considered this path for themselves to step up for the good of the nation. The Democratic Party’s success depends on leaders who are rooted in their communities, who understand the concerns of working families, and who are unafraid to try new approaches to reach disengaged voters. Innovation in organizing, messaging, and policymaking will come from those who see politics not as a career path, but as a public responsibility.
The stakes are high. The coming years will determine not just the trajectory of the Democratic Party, but the future of American democracy itself. The path ahead requires leaders who will embrace pragmatism without losing sight of principle, who will fight for working families while welcoming those who are skeptical, and who will bring new solutions to persistent challenges.
If you’ve ever thought about stepping up, the time isn’t someday—it’s now. If you’ve grown frustrated with the party, don’t walk away—step up. New leaders are not just welcome; they are essential.
George Hornedo is a Democratic strategist based in Indianapolis. He has served at the U.S. Department of Justice and worked on campaigns and advocacy efforts nationwide.
