The results of the 2024 election served as a stark reminder for the Democratic party, yet five months later, little has changed. Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris was significantly bolstered by a substantial nine-point advantage among parents, effectively establishing the Republican party as the champion of parental concerns. Trump’s campaign focused on promoting school choice initiatives, restricting transgender ideology in classrooms, and eliminating curricula based on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. In contrast, Harris barely addressed these issues during her campaign. Polls from AtlasIntel, a respected polling firm, demonstrated Trump’s strength on this front, yet Democrats appear to be ignoring the signal and instead doubling down on policies that alienate families.
Recent legislative actions in several states exemplify this disconnect.
* In Colorado, House Democrats passed two controversial bills during a special Sunday session: House Bill 25-1312, which could potentially remove custody from parents who do not affirm their child’s gender identity, and House Bill 25-1309, mandating health insurance coverage for “gender-affirming care,” including surgeries and hormones—even rejecting a Republican amendment to exclude minors. Colorado Democrat Rep. Yara Zokaie even compared those opposing the bill to the KKK.
Illinois is pursuing regulations on homeschooling through House Bill 2827, which passed a committee vote despite overwhelming public opposition—over 42,000 people submitted witness slips in protest. If enacted, the law could impose fines and even jail time for non-compliance, representing an unprecedented attack on parental freedom.
In Washington State, Democrats rejected an amendment to House Bill 1296 that would have required immediate notification of parents if a student were a victim of sexual misconduct involving a school employee. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) defended this position, asserting that “Kids over 13 have the complete right to make their own decisions about their mental health care,” and dismissing parental involvement.
Furthermore, West Virginia Democrats opposed a Parents’ Bill of Rights aimed at promoting transparency and parental control within schools. Nationally, Senate Democrats blocked the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, preventing it from even being considered.
Even former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel acknowledged the fallout from pandemic-era school closures, admitting they had caused significant academic and mental health setbacks for students. Studies have confirmed this: a 2023 American Economic Review study documented slashed math and reading scores, disproportionately affecting low-income children, while a 2022 JAMA Pediatrics study linked closures to increased anxiety and depression. Teachers’ unions—the NEA and AFT—which heavily support the Democratic party, were key drivers of these policies.
Trump has identified this opportunity. Parents are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as politically driven agendas within schools, moving away from foundational subjects toward ideological pursuits. Trump’s emphasis on school choice resonates with this sentiment, as do his commitments to restrict transgender policies and eliminate divisive curricula. AtlasIntel’s polling data not only predicted a victory for Trump but also indicated a broader shift in public opinion.
Recent polls underscore this trend:
* A New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed that 79% of Americans oppose men competing in women’s sports, including 67% of Democrats.
* A Center Square poll found 59% support a federal ban on puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgeries for minors.
* A Washington Post/KFF poll showed 68% opposition to puberty blockers for children aged 10-14.
* RealClear Opinion Research indicates that 71% of Americans, including 66% of Democrats, support school choice nationwide.
Despite these clear indicators, Democrats continue on their current trajectory. Illinois’s House Bill 2827 targets families seeking alternatives to public schools. Colorado’s bills prioritize ideological mandates over evidence-based practices; there is no scientific basis for affirming gender transitions with hormones or surgeries in minors. Washington State’s policies prioritize secrecy, while West Virginia rejected a bill designed to empower parents. Democrats persist in limiting school choice options despite widespread public support.
While some dissent exists—Illinois Rep. La Shawn Ford criticized House Bill 2827 as an overreach—party leadership remains beholden to union interests and seemingly oblivious to the growing demand for change among voters. Trump’s victory, fueled by a nine-point advantage with parents, represents a clear mandate: families want choice, a focus on core subjects, and safety protocols – not coercion or ideological experimentation.
Democrats have an opportunity to adjust course—to offer apologies, embrace diverse options, and respect biological realities. Their continued inaction suggests they believe parents won’t notice. They are mistaken. The 2024 election served as a warning; the rise of the “Parents’ Party” is underway, and unless Democrats recognize this shift, they risk further alienation of the very people they claim to serve.
