Democrats are expressing concerns about the political effectiveness of the recently passed budget-reconciliation bill. They worry their messaging on safety-net programs may not resonate with a majority of voters. Some of the bill's unpopular provisions have been delayed until after the midterms, complicating their strategy. Republicans have positioned tax breaks to take effect sooner, shifting public focus. Key Democrats, including strategist Doug Herman and political candidate Cherlynn Stevenson, acknowledge the difficulties in communicating potential negative impacts to those who might not directly benefit from Medicaid.
Republicans delayed work requirements until 2027 and financing changes until 2028. They also frontloaded their One Big Beautiful Bill Act with tax breaks that voters are likely to see sooner.
If we say 'they took it from you,' but it hasn't happened yet, it just complicates it,
I do [worry about it]," said Cherlynn Stevenson, a former Kentucky state representative running for the congressional seat being vacated by GOP Rep. Andy Barr. "I think that there are some people who are like, 'Well, I'm not on Medicaid, so it's not going to affect me.'
These worries are based on the sense that perceptions of the megabill are the ball game for the 2026 midterms.
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