A seasoned Republican congressman is sounding the alarm: if the GOP doesn't get serious about messaging on cost of living issues, they're setting themselves up for devastating electoral losses across America.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), appearing on "The Alex Marlow Show" Wednesday, delivered a stark warning to his fellow Republicans after witnessing firsthand how Democrats are already pivoting to exploit kitchen table economics in 2026.
"In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill talked about cost of living issues. Smart of her campaign," Van Drew acknowledged with the kind of brutal honesty that makes establishment Republicans squirm. "We needed to do that."
Democrats Playing Chess While GOP Plays Checkers?
Van Drew's warning comes as ordinary Americans are still feeling the crushing weight of Biden-era inflation, even as President Trump works tirelessly to restore economic sanity. While Trump's policies are already showing promise, Van Drew recognizes a dangerous reality: Democrats are getting better at talking about the very issues that should be Republican strengths.
This isn't about abandoning conservative principles—it's about communicating them effectively to working families who are struggling to put food on the table and gas in their tanks.
"We needed to do that," Van Drew emphasized, referring to the Democrats' focus on cost of living messaging.
Van Drew, who famously switched from Democrat to Republican during Trump's first term, understands better than most how political messaging can make or break campaigns. His blue-state perspective offers invaluable insight into what resonates with voters who aren't already in the MAGA camp.
The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher
With Trump's second-term agenda gaining momentum on everything from border security to energy independence, Republicans can't afford to let Democrats steal the narrative on economic issues. Van Drew's warning isn't defeatist—it's strategic.
The question facing the GOP is simple: Will they heed Van Drew's wake-up call and master the art of connecting Trump's successful policies to voters' daily struggles? Or will they watch Democrats successfully rebrand themselves as the party of economic relief while Republicans fumble the messaging game?
Patriots know the truth about which party actually delivers results. Now it's time to make sure every American understands that truth too.