By Damon K. Jones | Publisher, Black Westchester Magazine
I have been involved in politics long enough to know the difference between winning an election and actually accomplishing something for the people who voted for you. Unfortunately, too many Americans have been conditioned to believe that once their political party wins, somehow the people have won too.
Democrats just won control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Before the celebrations are even over, the American people are already hearing the same political nonsense that has frustrated and given Congress the lowest approval rating for years. Instead of serious conversations about lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, addressing housing affordability, and improving healthcare, we are hearing about Donald Trump, investigations, subpoenas, impeachment, and going after members of his family.
Now, somebody needs to explain something to the American people. Did the American people elect Democrats to govern this country, or did they elect them to spend the next two years getting revenge on Donald Trump?
I am not suggesting that Trump or anyone in his administration should be above the law. If crimes were committed, investigate them. Follow the evidence and respect due process. But Congress has another responsibility: to govern.
Robert Garcia Says “LAWYER UP.” Really?
One of the first things that caught my attention was Congressman Robert Garcia of California, who is positioned to lead the House Oversight Committee. On election night, November 3, Garcia posted two words on social media:
“LAWYER UP.”
That was his message after Democrats won control of Congress. Not a message about affordable housing, economic opportunity, or how Democrats intend to work across party lines to pass legislation.
No. “LAWYER UP.”
Garcia has discussed investigating what he calls the “Trump Crime Family,” along with allegations of corruption, government misconduct, and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. He has said those investigations would begin on “day one.”
Seriously? This is how you introduce your new congressional majority to the American people?
Congress has oversight responsibilities, and legitimate investigations are part of that responsibility. But investigations are not convictions, and Congress cannot put people in jail simply because politicians believe they did something wrong.
What concerns many Americans, especially Independents, is the message being sent. People are struggling financially, and one of the loudest messages coming out of Washington is a warning for political opponents to get lawyers.
That is not a governing agenda.
The Election Is Over. Why Are We Still Campaigning?
Garcia is not alone. New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland accused Trump of enriching himself while making New Mexicans poorer, sicker, and hungrier. Kansas Senator-elect Adam Hamilton described the election as a rejection of cruelty in Washington and Trump’s political chaos.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has promised accountability for what he describes as corruption involving Trump administration officials and their associates. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are discussing investigations into government contracts, immigration enforcement, and alleged conflicts of interest.
I am not saying these issues should be ignored. But I am asking why political confrontation is receiving so much attention when the people who voted are waiting to hear what Democrats intend to do for them.
You won the election. Congratulations. Now what?
Defeating Republicans is not an economic plan. Criticizing Donald Trump does not lower anybody’s electric bill. Holding congressional hearings does not automatically create affordable housing, and putting politicians in front of television cameras to argue does not put food on anybody’s table.
At some point, Democrats must stop talking about the people they defeated and start talking about the people they were elected to serve.
How Are You Going to Pass Anything Without Trump?
Here is where this situation becomes even more concerning. Democrats are discussing investigations and impeachment, but they seem to be overlooking one important political reality.
Donald Trump is still president of the United States.
Democrats may control the House and Senate, but they do not have enough votes to override his vetoes on their own. The Constitution requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers to override a presidential veto. That means Democrats will need Republican support or must negotiate legislation Trump is willing to sign.
So somebody explain the strategy to me.
How are you going to spend your days publicly attacking the president, threatening impeachment, investigating his family, and turning congressional hearings into political entertainment, then turn around and expect that same president to negotiate your legislative agenda?
I am not suggesting Trump should refuse to work with Democrats because they criticize him. He has a responsibility to govern too. But anyone who understands politics knows that relationships, negotiations, and compromise matter, especially when neither party controls the entire federal government.
And let us not pretend Donald Trump is a politician who ignores personal attacks.
If Democrats believe they can spend the next two years treating every disagreement as an opportunity for another investigation while still getting major legislation signed, I want them to explain how.
Another Two Years of Hearings and Nothing Getting Done?
Then there is the impeachment talk. The House can impeach a president by a simple majority, but removing that president requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Democrats do not have enough votes without substantial Republican support.
So what exactly is the endgame?
Are we going to spend another year watching congressional hearings, listening to dramatic speeches, and seeing the same arguments replayed on cable news? Are Democrats going to raise money from political outrage while telling voters that the next election is the only way to solve the problem?
I have seen enough of that politics to last me a lifetime. The hearings become entertainment, politicians become television personalities, and everybody gets their social media moment. Meanwhile, the people who elected them are dealing with the same problems they had before Election Day.
Oversight matters, but accountability cannot become an excuse for failing to govern.
Hakeem Jeffries, What Happened to the Promises?
Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders spent the election season talking about affordability, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Those issues mattered to millions of Americans.
Well, the election is over. Now it is time to deliver.
Where are the bills? What legislation will Democrats introduce during their first 100 days? How will they get those bills through Congress and onto the president’s desk? And when Trump threatens a veto, what is their plan beyond holding another press conference blaming Republicans?
I understand divided government makes governing difficult. But that is why Americans elect representatives who are supposed to understand how government works.
We did not send people to Washington simply to complain about the president. We sent them there to find ways to get things done, even when the political circumstances are difficult.
Black America Deserves Answers Too
For generations, Black Americans have been among the Democratic Party’s most loyal constituencies. Every election, we are told democracy is at stake, our rights are under attack, and we must show up.
And we continue to show up.
But after the election, what exactly are we receiving in return?
Where is the economic agenda addressing Black homeownership, business development, generational wealth, workforce opportunities, and the economic conditions that continue to hold our communities back?
I want to hear Black elected officials discuss these issues with the same passion they use when talking about Donald Trump.
Representation without results does not change the conditions in our neighborhoods. And asking these questions does not mean defending Republicans. It means demanding accountability from the people who hold power.
You Were Elected to Represent All Americans
There is something else Democrats need to understand. Not everyone who voted for them was a Democrat. Independents and some Republicans also supported Democratic candidates because they wanted change, accountability, and a government focused on the problems affecting their families.
Those voters did not necessarily sign up for two years of political warfare.
Once elected, you represent more than your political party. You represent Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and even those who voted against you. Your oath is to the Constitution, not the Democratic National Committee.
After 33 years in law enforcement, I understand something about public service. You do not get to choose whom you serve based on their politics. That same principle should apply to elected officials.
The next two years will tell us whether Democrats intend to govern or turn their congressional majority into another political reality show.
If Trump broke the law, hold him accountable. But while doing that, introduce legislation, negotiate where necessary, address the economy, and deliver on the promises made to the American people.
You were not elected to govern your anger. You were elected to govern this country.
And remember, the American people did not give you power simply to punish your political opponents. They gave you a responsibility to serve the nation, including millions who do not share your political beliefs.
We elected you to govern, not to get even.
