What We Can Do

by Bruce Cowan, Chair, 24th Legislative District Democrats

Every morning, we wake up and see headlines reminding us that these are not normal times. In short, the Oval Office is occupied by a ham-fisted autocrat who is smashing through the constitutional guardrails that could limit his power. Republicans in Congress are afraid to apply the brakes to his crazy train, and so he rolls on.

As the Epstein saga unfolds, we can hope that a few in these slim majorities start to see some advantage in standing up for the people they represent.

Meanwhile, people are calling on "the Democrats" to get us out of this mess. Congress has some arcane procedures, but none that enable minority Democrats to derail a MAGA trifecta.

Still, we must not despair! You and I are "the Democrats" and there are things we can do, things we must do, right here on the north Peninsula, to bring our nation back to democratic norms.

First, let's put up barricades on this road to fascism: join the mass demonstrations. In June, the "No Kings" events in our 24th Legislative District (LD) drew over 7,000 people. This growing coalition cannot be ignored. Bring your friends. It's cathartic for all who participate and inspiring for people who see us out there. 

Second, let's support Democrats in elected office. Representative Emily Randall is working her heart out and Senator Patty Murray is asking the hard questions in committee hearings. Let them know you have their back. 

Don’t forget our friends in Olympia; we’re lucky to have them. Our 24th LD Legislators – Senator Mike Chapman, Representative Steve Tharinger, and Representative Adam Bernbaum – work hard to protect our interests here on the Olympic Peninsula. Lend a hand to Adam! He's working to elect Democrats to the state Senate this fall. 

Third, let's carry on with our lives and our work. We can’t let up with our organizing. In this fall’s election, we can elect sensible people to local offices. New friends from these campaigns and the demonstrations can strengthen and refresh our party organizations.

Fourth, let's start winning the 2026 mid-terms now. Next year, Democrats on our local ballots need our help as usual, but Congressional majorities will be determined outside Washington. 

U.S. Representative Emily Randall is getting behind JoAnna Mendoza, who has a strong chance of flipping Arizona's 6th Congressional District. Let's support Emily in this!

When we flip Congress in 2026, we can lay the groundwork for 2028.

Fifth, let's remember our humanity. It's only natural to be angry about MAGA and its deplorable policies, but let's not hate on people just because they disagree with us. There are plenty of folks on the other side who do not embrace this authoritarianism. 

When these folks and the disillusioned MAGA folks quietly peek over the fence, we want them to see that we're nothing like the people they've been warned about. 

We want them to see that we’re friendly and reasonable. We won't agree with them on everything, but we can't find solutions without hearing contrasting views and things we haven't considered. Democracy requires nothing less. 

And despite this dark shadow, we also need to give our time to people and activities that restore us and bring us joy.

Sixth, let's work on our message. The pundits are right: "the Democrats" need to get out a strong message. That's us again! We can write letters to the editor. We can listen to our friends and neighbors and amplify their voices. We can encourage people to join us in conversations about the right direction for our country.

We can also be delegates to the Washington State Democratic Convention on June 28, 2026, where we will adopt our party platform. That’s sooner than it sounds! 

On March 8, Democrats across the 24th Legislative District will elect two dozen delegates. We want everyone in our large and diverse district to be represented. 

Following the delegate election, our delegation will begin meeting on Zoom to refine our input to the Platform Committee. At the Convention, we will sit together. (Virtual participation will also be possible.) 

In 2024, it was fun and we built networks that served us in the elections. Let's start recruiting delegates now. So think about becoming a delegate! Contact us now if you are interested, and watch for more information early in 2026.

Lastly, let's stick together. MAGA will not be defeated in one election and it will take time to clean up their mess. If we stand shoulder-to-shoulder and commit to the work and to each other, I believe that our unity and our good hearts will prevail.

We can restore civil discourse to our politics. We can restore and improve the social safety net. We can assure that all immigrants have a respected place in our communities. We can create a thriving economy that works for everyone. 

Are you ready to pull together to make that happen? 

Bruce Cowan, a former public school teacher and musician, has been active in the Democratic Party since retiring in 2013. He has served as Chair of the 24th Legislative District Democrats since 2019.

The 24th LD Democrats include members of the Clallam, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor Democrats. Visit their website at wa24ld.com to learn more. Contact Chair Bruce Cowan at 
[email protected].  Sign up here for the 24th LD Democrats newsletter.

Bruce Cowan with fellow State Convention delegates Christy Holy (LD 24 Vice Chair) and Bill Atkinson
(photo provided by Bruce Cowan)