Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda (D-N.C.) argued Sunday that the incoming Democratic majority in Congress presents President Trump with a political opening to collaborate on legislation that would directly improve the lives of ordinary Americans. But he cautioned that the window for cooperation is narrow, and that both parties risk losing public trust if they squander it.
“Make no mistake about it, if we don’t get to Washington, D.C., and we don’t start pushing legislation that elevates people’s lives, we’re going to lose that in two years,” Ojeda told NewsNation’s Chris Stirewalt on “The Hill Sunday.” “So, if we want to stay, we got to do the right things for the people.”
Stirewalt pushed back, noting that Trump would likely veto any major Democratic initiatives. “But you can’t do too many things because Donald Trump’s going to veto. If you do those things, he’s going to veto those things,” he said.
Ojeda, however, framed the situation as a test for the president. “This is an opportunity. This is an opportunity for Donald Trump. And I would say — if I was talking to him, I would say, ‘This is an opportunity for you. Instead of basically going out as a lame duck and doing nothing and making this just absolutely petty, how about support the legislation that elevates people’s lives?’” he said.
The congressman-elect’s remarks come after his upset victory over Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), who chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). Hudson’s dual role forced him to balance national party duties with defending his own seat, a challenge that ultimately proved insurmountable. Ojeda’s win marked the first time a Democrat has represented North Carolina’s 9th District since 1963, a sign of the broader Democratic wave that swept through the midterms.
That wave handed Democrats control of both the House and Senate, and flipped several historically conservative districts. The new majority is already laying out an aggressive agenda, including plans to counter Trump’s trade policies, though they face the threat of presidential vetoes. Some Democrats are also weighing using the purse, impeachment, and the courts to check the administration, particularly on foreign policy. Meanwhile, Trump is preparing for a contentious return to Washington as the new Congress convenes.
In a call with CBS News after the election, Trump offered a conciliatory tone, saying: “Congratulations to the Democrats, and I look forward to working with you for the good of our country.” Whether that sentiment translates into legislative cooperation remains uncertain, especially with the president hinting at a possible cabinet shake-up.
Ojeda’s message reflects a pragmatic wing of the Democratic Party that sees an opening for bipartisan wins on issues like infrastructure, prescription drug pricing, and economic opportunity. But with Trump’s veto pen and a narrow majority, the path forward is fraught. As Ojeda put it, the party must deliver tangible results or risk losing its newly won power in the next election cycle.
