Looking for Light After 2025

Cheryl Hays
1 day ago
3 min read

Signs of hope heading into 2026

Part 1 – By Cindi Reis, Vice President, Democratic Club of Greater Tracy

Introduction

Along with resolutions, Top 10 lists, and a surge in gym memberships, the New Year traditionally brings a bumper crop of analysis and predictions from political pundits — and even regular people.

Here is the forecast from Thomas Dehaven Court, focusing on signs of hope for 2026, among and despite the traumatic events of 2025.

Vice President and First Daughter Cindi Reis looks at the silver linings, while Third Dad Ross Bogen (Part 2) tries not to fixate on the surrounding clouds.

Part 1 — High Hopes

I’m not a huge fan of Frank Sinatra, but I appreciate a song he sang that plays in the background of my mind on the regular, given the current nonsensical climate we are subjected to:

But he’s got high hopes,He’s got high hopesHe’s got high apple pieIn the sky hopes

In my case, she has high hopes.

I am optimistic — despite being appalled, confused, concerned, disturbed, and not surprised all at the same time. Sound familiar?

A Beacon of Light

On that note, I felt a genuine lift in my spirits when I happened upon a video on social media from Rachel Maddow (12/21/2025).

It felt realistic to have hope — so much so that I immediately wanted to share it. Not just on social media, but here, in this space, with the Tracy Dems.

In her words:

“Today’s the day we start getting a little more light with each passing day. Every single day, from here on out.”

The Political Pivot

One supporting sign of that “light” is that Donald Trump’s party has effectively lost control of the House of Representatives.

This does not mean a Democratic majority — yet.

But the pivot is occurring.

Part of this shift began when Adelita Grijalva was finally sworn in on November 12, 2025, and then moved quickly to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files — secured by her 218th signature.

Another key moment came when four Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on legislation extending Obamacare subsidies.

Then came the real eye-opener:

Seventeen House Republicans broke ranks to pass a bill reviving and extending COVID-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies.

For Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, this was a major victory.

The bill passed 230–196.

That made my eyes widen.

Encouraging Projections for 2026

We are on our way — and the projections are encouraging:

Democrats are well positioned. Multiple forecasters and polling models suggest they are likely to flip the seats required to regain a House majority. A recent NPR / PBS News / Marist Poll survey shows Democrats with their largest congressional advantage in eight years.
Presidential approval is low. Historically, this results in midterm losses for the sitting president’s party.
Economic pressure matters. Affordability and inflation are expected to dominate voter concerns, while healthcare and technology policy are poised to be central legislative issues. At the same time, shifting public attitudes on gun safety, environmental protection, and social justice — particularly among younger voters — align strongly with Democratic priorities.
Is a Blue Wave forming? It may not just be “high hopes.” Strategic redistricting and consistent Democratic overperformance in special and off-year elections throughout 2025 point toward strong momentum heading into 2026.

Closing Thought

I want to end by returning to Rachel Maddow’s words:

“Today’s the day we start getting a little more light with each passing day. Every single day, from here on out.”

Let’s keep going.

Author

Cindi Reis

Vice President, Democratic Club of Greater Tracy