"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." — Barack Obama
Current events can be a source of positivity…or the “other.” That “other” can be positive or a sinking feeling of “when will this ever end,” but regardless of how you spin it, the nonsensical is still just that: nonsensical.
I have consistently found it necessary to try to remain grounded and intentionally steering away from what is appalling to my senses. In some cases, I try to respond without reacting to the corruption we witness daily, blaring from the TV or from the screens cradled in our palms. I habitually shift gears between “Oh, my God,” to, “What can I do about this?”
Breaking news can be a source of fuel for our Democratic enthusiasm. The domino effect of it can increase fundraising, motivate volunteering, state-level and congressional victories, and more. It boils down to the interests we hold deep concerns for including democracy, equal rights, immigration protection… the list goes on.
Whenever you need a shot of positivity, keep the following key developments in mind:
• The California primaries ─ and those in other states ─ have given us a boost and something to look forward to, with many pundits forecasting that Democrats have a very real shot at taking control of the House of Representatives, something that had been considered much more of a long shot just a few months ago.
• Grassroots’ efforts are moving at a powerful pace. For example, local volunteers in the Tracy and Tri-Valley areas are organizing and gathering consistently for events like the No Kings rallies, canvassing to GOTV, and having a consistent, visible presence showing community solidarity.
• Democratic engagement continues regularly in community celebrations such as Tracy’s annual Juneteenth event and Pride Month, promoting strong support of equality and inclusion. Right around the corner we have Tracy’s Fourth of July parade, made all the more special being the 250th birthday of our country, giving us the opportunity to send a strong message of community, democracy, and the love of liberty our country was founded on.
• Supporting progressive issues by hosting and participating in local protests that stand against fascism and harsh, unjust administration policies.
I am encouraged when I read about the major victories ben recently secured by Democrats, from key governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, to sweeping mayoral races in cities like New York and Detroit, and breaking GOP supermajorities in multiple state legislatures, with the rising Blue Wave becoming more and more evident with wins such as the following:
• California 22nd District Primary (June 2026): Progressive Randy Villegas advanced to the November ballot by defeating moderate incumbent Democrat Jasmeet Bains in a highly contested Central Valley race.
• Wisconsin Supreme Court Race (June 2026): Democrats secured a double-digit victory in the state Supreme Court race, which expands the liberal majority on the bench to 5-2.
• Michigan State Senate (May 2026): Democrat Chedrick Greene won a state Senate special election in a highly contested, closely matched central Michigan district.
• Texas State Senate (February 2026): Democrat Taylor Remmit flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district in Tarrant County, an area previously won by Donald Trump by 17 points.
• Louisiana House District 60 (February 2026): Democrat Chidy Verrett Martinez won decisively in a district carried by Donald Trump by a 13-point margin in 2024.
• Legislative and County Flips (2025): Democrats scored significant nationwide upsets by taking control of governorships in New Jersey and Virginia. They also broke Republican super capacities in Mississippi and Iowa and secured their largest majority in the Virginia House of Delegates since the 1980s.
For detailed updates on national mid-term campaign progress and candidate tracking, check out the 270toWin coverage or view in-depth analyses on the Sabato's Crystal Ball platform.
I’ll conclude with a gem from my Aunt Peggy. She was a former Democratic delegate, back in the day, from southern California. She had a favorite quote that couldn’t be truer blue:
“Diversity is our strength; unity is our power.” — Nancy Pelosi
Stay balanced, stay focused, and keep your eye on the prize.