A bipartisan group of centrist lawmakers gathered in Washington for the annual No Labels conference, vowing to stand up against Donald Trump’s plans and prioritize the needs of their constituents over party loyalty. The group, founded in 2009, had initially planned to run a “Unity” candidate in the 2024 election but ultimately abandoned that effort after failing to find viable candidates.
During the conference, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle emphasized the importance of reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, spoke about the need to reset the political landscape and focus on serving the country rather than party interests.
However, the threat of primary challenges loomed large for lawmakers who dared to defy party lines. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Republican who has expressed discomfort with party labels, highlighted the pressure to toe the party line or face primary challenges from Trump’s allies.
Republican Senator-elect John Curtis of Utah shared his experience of facing pressure to move further right during his Senate campaign, despite initially hailing from a Never-Trump state. Democrats also faced criticism and primary challenges, with Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts facing backlash for his comments on trans athletes.
The conference also touched on key issues such as reducing the national debt and immigration reform. Lawmakers discussed the challenges of bipartisan cooperation and the potential for harassment from party loyalists or primary challengers.
Democrats, in particular, have been critical of their party’s approach, with some lawmakers calling for a more empathetic and inclusive approach. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington criticized her party for overlooking working-class voters, while Representative Ritchie Torres of New York highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to immigration.
Both Democratic and Republican centrists expressed openness to the Department of Government Efficiency, a Trump initiative led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Senator Susan Collins of Maine praised her meeting with Musk, while Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia voiced support for efforts to improve government efficiency, albeit with caution about potential across-the-board cuts.
Overall, the No Labels conference emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and collaboration in addressing the country’s challenges, even in the face of potential backlash and primary challenges. Lawmakers pledged to prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards a more inclusive and effective government.
