Hungary for a Blue Wave
Yesterday, voters in Hungary delivered a powerful reminder: Democracy can prevail over entrenched autocratic leadership when we take action and get out the vote. Moreover, winning big is better than just winning, and may be essential for an autocrat to accept defeat.
For 16 years, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has undermined democracy in Hungary, including by accepting antisemitism. But yesterday, Hungarian voters rejected his leadership by such a wide margin that even Orbán, known for strongman tactics, could not credibly contest the results.
This November, we can deal a similar blow to Trump’s authoritarianism if we show up, organize, and ensure that Democrats win decisively at the ballot box and take back control of Congress. This work starts now with a crucial referendum next week in Virginia.
Autocrats like Trump typically operate using the same playbook: erode trust in elections, attack the press, divide communities, and refuse to accept defeat. That’s why Trump has been trying to tilt the electoral playing field in his favor.
But Democrats are fighting back. There’s a crucial redistricting referendum happening on April 21 in Virginia, which may add up to four additional competitive House seats in November. A victory would ensure fair representation and the protection of democratic norms for years to come.
We cannot afford complacency. The stakes for our democracy – and for the values we hold as Jewish Americans – are too high.
Together, we can stand up to extremism and defend our democracy.
In solidarity,
Sam Crystal
COO and Chief of Staff, Jewish Democratic Council of America
P.S. Halie talks about the Hungarian election and its impact in more detail on the Jewish Dem Download on Substack. Watch our Monday ten-minute video briefing and make sure to subscribe for analysis in your inbox every Monday.