News, events, advocacy opportunities, and commentary from the Center for New Liberalism

The Progressive Policy Institute’s American Identity Project takes a look at what it means to be an American today and how we can increase patriotism amongst liberals and the Democratic Party. You can learn more about the project, whose advisory board includes David Brooks, Bill Bradley, and Ritchie Torres, here. 

We are collaborating with the American Identity Project to host an essay contest for CNL members to reflect on the meaning of American identity. Essays should be approximately 1,500 words and explore what it means to be an American today. This could include reflections on why certain monuments capture American identity particularly well, or which historical figures exemplify the best of America. 

Winners will receive:

The winning essay will also be published on PPI’s website.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Deadline: January 31, 2026 

Submit your essay with the Google Form below.

With Republicans in control of the Senate and House and Trump launching his second term with a wave of disastrous tariffs, 2025 was a difficult year for Democrats. Under Trump’s reign, Americans faced higher everyday costs and his administration disrupted our global partnerships. This year, center-left parties have been losing ground to right-leaning populist movements across the globe. Despite this challenging political environment, the Center for New Liberalism and our chapters delivered meaningful wins this year. 

In April, CNL leaders joined the Progressive Policy Institute’s New Directions for Democrats convening in Denver, represented by our national team as well as Tyler Laferriere-Holloway (Steering Committee Chair), Cathy Reisenwitz (Chair Emeritus), Sterling Sourk (Phoenix Chapter Lead), and Matt Hughes (Steering Committee Member). 

We published our Congressional Tariff Messaging Index, highlighting Democratic Trade Champions who have taken a definitive stand against Trump’s tariffs. We also launched the “My Tariffs Did That!!” sticker campaign to point out the real-world impacts of Trump’s trade agenda. 

In October, we hosted our most successful New Liberal Action Summit yet, bringing more than 200 New Liberals together with over 30 policymakers, experts, and strategists for three days of policy discussions, organizing training, and networking. 

And finally, just this week, the Center for New Liberalism became Wikipedia official! Read about our organization’s history and projects here.

2026 will be crucial for Democrats. Trump promised an affordable America, yet his tariffs and isolationist agenda have driven prices up. Democrats have an opportunity to show Americans that we are the party of affordability. 

CNL chapters will play a critical role in electing Democrats across the country. Next year, we plan to endorse candidates for Senate, House, statewide offices, and local races. The midterms provide an opportunity for Democrats to reclaim the House majority, and we will support pragmatic, pro-growth candidates who will lead us on a better path forward. 

Nationally, we will host the 2026 New Liberal Action Summit in Washington, DC, building on the momentum of this year’s gathering. We are also planning to organize a delegation of elected officials to Europe to study how other center-left parties are winning over voters and exchange policy ideas. 

Thank you for everything you helped us achieve in 2025. We are ready to chart a path forward for liberalism in 2026.

The UnPopulist | Will Mamdani Govern More as a Democratic Socialist or as an Abundance Liberal?
By Tibita Kaneene, NYC New Liberals | November 2

“As the political director of the New York City New Liberals, a chapter of the Center for New Liberalism, I was part of a team that prepared a 2025 NYC Democratic Primary Voting Guide, which ranked candidates based on their policy proposals—not their rhetoric or ideology.”

Infinite Scroll | Democrats have their own Extremist Problem
By Jeremiah Johnson, Co-founder of CNL | December 2

“I believe that Democrats need to build a big tent. But a group with no boundaries whatsoever loses coherence, so here’s the line I draw: I do not want to be in a coalition with anyone who does propaganda for vicious authoritarian governments.”

A Liberal in Durham | A new council, but a new day in Durham politics? - City Council December 1,  2025
By Andy Lowe, RDU New Liberals Chapter Lead | December 2

“Overall a straightforward infill development that City council routinely supports and should be encouraged. High quality infill development that densifies within the urban growth boundary. This is what needs to happen by right and via rezonings as required to continue growing Durham. I would recommend passing this rezoning wholeheartedly.”

Throughput | The Next Democratic President Should Give Up Power
By Colin Mortimer, Director of CNL | December 9

“It’s also practical politics: a Democratic candidate who campaigns on voluntarily limiting presidential authority and promises to usher in reforms that constrain all future presidents, regardless of party, would tap into widespread public exhaustion with executive overreach and four-year policy whiplash.”

The Turnaround in New Orleans's Schools Ft. David Osborne

The New Orleans public school system was one of the worst school systems in the country - and that was before Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city and most of the schools. So how did New Orleans schools end up succeeding just a few years later? David Osborne joins the podcast to discuss his new documentary 'Turnaround', about how New Orleans reinvented their schools.

More info at turnarounddocumentary.com

Trump's Plan for Ukraine Ft. Tamar Jacoby

The Trump administration is touting a new 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. Does it have any chance to end the fighting? Tamar Jacoby joins the podcast to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine, what Russia and Ukraine are really after, and why Ukraine is crucial for worldwide liberalism.

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