The 2024 Election: Where We Are, What It Means and How We Move Forward

This week’s election results came with a weight for the advocates, issues and communities we care about. We want you to know that Spitfire is here for you –– whether you’re an ally, potential or former client, or partner in the field. 

We often say that we live our values because we live the issues that we work on, and this is no different. Spitfires live in the states and exist in the communities — specifically the ones most at risk, including LGBTQ+, Black and Brown — that will be bracing for the lasting impact of some policies that are sure to come. 

This moment is complex for some and confounding for others. Still, no matter how we feel, one thing is clear: Rejecting the reality of what we saw this week will not remove the responsibility of acknowledging what the country and voters have shown us in the wake of this election. 

Advancing our work in this new environment means being hopeful but clear-eyed — especially about the state of the movement for justice and where our audiences genuinely are. No matter what issue or industry you focus on, this election should give us reason enough to reassess where our communities are and how our messages are or are not resonating with them. 

It is my firm belief that the election results showed us a coalition of convenience rather than a movement of Trump loyalists. Among that “coalition” are billionaires looking to cash in and people who, yes, subscribe to divisive ideas steeped in racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia. We also saw people choose a candidate because they believed –– rightly or wrongly –– that they do not have a place in our movement or the future we are building. 

Rebuilding power through trust comes down to communication, messaging, storytelling and listening. We must look at where and why we rejected people’s concerns. We must see how we failed to show those people how their lives will be better through our policies and issues. 

The path ahead will be challenging, and we have won big in difficult circumstances before. Now, we must do it again. We know from experience that we can build consensus and take steps forward — even in repressive times — to protect our people's and communities' values, safety and well-being.

This election may mean that you and your team need time to regroup. When you’re ready, we are here. You can reach out to me directly or join us on Nov. 20 from 1-2 p.m. ET for a candid discussion with partners at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and Surdna Foundation about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.