Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) said Sunday the Democratic Party can find a way to appeal to voters despite its low approval, saying most voters want “a vision” to improve their lives.
The Democratic Party is facing its lowest approval rating in 35 years, with only 33% viewing the party favorably compared to 63% who view it in a negative light. Polis said his party can win back the majority of voters by giving them what they want “at the end of the day,” being a plan for “making life better.”
“And that‘s where Democrats can bring people together: How do we reduce costs? How do we improve the quality of life, make healthcare more affordable, improve the air quality that we breathe, strengthen our economy, get rid of these costly tariffs that are already costing people as they‘re shopping for back-to-school items hundreds of dollars for their kids on top of what they‘d otherwise have to pay?” Polis asked on CNN’s State of the Union.
“These are simple, common-sense solutions that make a difference in the lives of everyday Americans, and I think Democrats can get to 55%, 58% if we stick to those basics,” Polis said.
The governor broke with most Democrats in November when President Donald Trump nominated Robert Kennedy Jr. as his administration’s Health and Human Services secretary, a role he was confirmed for in February. Polis said he was excited by Kennedy’s nomination, hoping Kennedy would add “personal choice” to vaccine requirements.
Polis stood by his support for the HHS secretary despite Kennedy’s previous skepticism on vaccinations. He also said he is “all for” Kennedy’s advocacy against consuming processed foods, saying this praise gives people “more credibility” in criticizing the Trump administration.
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Polis said the Democratic Party needs “the ability” to build up a majority voter base ahead of the 2028 presidential election. He also said he has not looked at running for president for 2028 and hasn’t spoken to former Vice President Kamala Harris about another possible run by her.
Harris confirmed last week she won’t run in California’s gubernatorial election next year, a race she was speculated to possibly join after losing her 2024 presidential bid. However, former Obama adviser David Axelrod predicted Wednesday the former vice president is “setting herself up” for running again in the 2028 election.
