The potential for a sweeping Democratic victory in the upcoming midterms presents a monumental opportunity, yet it comes with significant responsibilities, warns political expert Norman Ornstein. Once the initial excitement fades, Democrats must confront an “extremely urgent to-do list” to avoid dire consequences for the nation.

Ornstein, a veteran political scholar acclaimed for his work on partisan politics, highlighted the gravity of the situation in a recent article for The New Republic. With the possibility of ousting President Donald Trump’s Republican Party in a blue wave, he cautioned that euphoria will be fleeting. The immediate question facing Democrats post-election will be, “What do we do now?”

He outlined three major challenges that the Democratic Party must tackle if they regain control of the House and potentially the Senate. The first task is meeting the expectations of voters who are looking for real improvements to their economic conditions.

“Run on affordability, you better improve affordability,” Ornstein stressed, emphasizing that voters are looking for tangible results.

The second challenge is navigating the narrative surrounding the failures of the Trump administration. Ornstein warned that the public tends to blame whoever is in power for the issues plaguing Washington. “If it looks like Democrats are part of the problem and not a solution, that could have brutal consequences in 2028,” he said.

Lastly, Ornstein called attention to the demands of the Democratic base for a stronger stance against the corruption and chaos attributed to Trump’s presidency. He noted the backlash against House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ private meeting with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, seeking potential bipartisan cooperation.

Many Democrats, Ornstein explained, desire toughness and assertiveness over compromise, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by Trump’s administration.

To address these urgent challenges, Ornstein presented six key strategies that House Democrats can leverage. First, they must engage in effective lawmaking while ensuring they harness the power of the purse to prioritize their agenda.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of oversight investigations to uncover wrongdoing and hold accountable those in positions of power.

“The bully pulpit” is another vital tool, he noted, enabling Democrats to communicate effectively with the public about their initiatives and highlight failures in governance.

Ornstein also pointed out that Democrats will have the ability to provide advice and consent in the Senate. This allows them to critically evaluate nominations to federal courts and executive positions, ensuring that only qualified candidates are confirmed.

Lastly, Ornstein mentioned impeachment as a critical mechanism for holding “miscreants” accountable and potentially removing them from office when necessary.

To facilitate the legislative process, he recommended restructuring the Senate’s filibuster rules. By placing the burden on the minority party to continue debate rather than requiring a supermajority to end it, Democrats could streamline their legislative initiatives.

Ornstein urged Democrats to utilize reconciliation, a process allowing them to pass spending measures in the Senate with a simple majority. This strategy could enable them to propose tough spending regulations that prioritize decency and uphold the rule of law.

This forthcoming election thus represents not only a reshuffling of power but also a pivotal moment for Democrats to demonstrate their commitment to change, Ornstein noted. Should they fail to act decisively, the repercussions could resonate far beyond 2026.

If they effectively respond to these challenges, Democrats could pivot the narrative in their favor. However, if they falter, the electorate may feel betrayed and disillusioned, which could lead to a new wave of discontent in future elections.

As the midterms approach, the message from Ornstein is clear: Democrats must prepare to act flurrying, not just in defense but with an agenda capable of winning back the trust of an anxious electorate.