Name: Polling numbers ‘suggest’ Democrats have a branding problem, says Democratic lawmaker
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As both Democrats and Republicans navigate divisions over what the future of their parties should look like, voters are chiming in with what they want to see as midterm primaries ramp up.

Earlier this month, we saw some of the divisions in the Democratic Party playing out in North Carolina, where incumbent Congresswoman Valerie Fuchsi held off a challenge from Durham County Commissioner Nita Alam.

North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Fuchsia joins me now, fresh off her primary win.

So you effectively fended off a challenger who was trying to pit herself as the more progressive candidate.

You are, of course, a member of the Progressive Caucus.

What should the Democratic Party take away from your victory?

What does it say about the state of progressivism?

I am a member of the Progressive Caucus and was endorsed by the Progressive Caucus.

I think what this race showed is that at least the citizens, the voters of the 4th district wants a member who delivers and is not interested in replacing experience for a new face, someone who's certainly capable.

But there's no reason to replace a performing member who's getting results.

Well, in her concession statement, Commissioner Alam said, you have a responsibility to earn the support of the 48% of Democrats who didn't vote for you.

What is your response and how do you plan to do that, Congresswoman?

So my response to that is that that's what I do every day.

I represent the members, the citizens, the residents, the voters of the 4th district, whether these are people who voted for me or not.

It's not just the progressives, it's the moderates, it's the Republicans.

All of the citizens of the 4th district can count on me for advocating for their needs, advocating for quality of life that they deserve and for the values that I believe the 4th district appreciates and I share.

Well, let me ask you about some of our latest polling, Congressmen.

Our latest NBC News poll shows voters are signaling a preference for a Democratic controlled Congress in 2026.

But when it comes to voters feelings about the Democratic Party overall, the only thing more unpopular in our poll, Congresswoman, was Iran.

Does the party have a brand problem in how do you address it?

Well, I think the party, I think all of us are opposed to this war.

I think that what we know is that the majority of Americans don't agree with a regime change war for oil in Iran.

Our communities are tired of endless wars.

Our communities want Congress to focus on the issues of the day and that is affordability, accountability and defending democracy.

And that's what our party should concentrate on.

Should we take back the majority in 2027?

Do you think that Democrats, though, do have a brand problem given the low party approval ratings that you're getting across the board?

I think, you know, polls are point in time and I think as we see what this administration is doing, what Republicans are allowing the administration to carry forward, people will put their trust in change and that change will come from the Democratic Party, particularly when the U.S.

house is taken by Democrats for the majority.

Let me ask you, because this all comes at a time when Democrats, Republicans are having conversations about generational change within the party.

Incumbents such as yourself, Congressman Betty Thompson, have held off and fended off younger challengers this cycle.

Congressman Clyburn just announced he he is going to run for his 18th term.

What do you say to those in the party who argue that, look, some of these more senior leaders should be making space for new voices?

There is some argument about people who stay in Congress or any other legislative body for long periods of time.

Let's just be clear that I've only served three years in Congress and in the middle of my second term, I don't think age is a factor for me.

It is the experience that I've gained over having served at every level of government.

It is the relationships that I have built not just within my own party but across the aisle to make sure that I am delivering results to the voters of the 4th district.

I feel the same for Representative Clyburn and others who still have the fire and the ability to serve, the ability to serve and the understanding of what is going on in this country and how we bring results to our respective districts.

Congressman, I have to end by asking you about Vice President J.D. vance.

He was in your home state today talking about the economy.

The vice president, the president argue yes, gas prices are going up right now because of the war with Iran, but

They say this short term pain is worth the long term gain of waging this war that ultimately they would argue will make the world safer.

What say you to that argument and do you think Democrats should be focused on that counterpoint or affordability?

I think Democrats should be focused on affordability.

It's not just about what is happening in Iran as it relates to gas.

But prices have been going up steadily during the course of this administration.

This president campaigned on lowering costs from day one.

We're seeing and have seen higher prices in groceries and, and housing and education, you name it.

A lot of this was done from terrorists even before we were engaged in war.

So our focus is on affordability, making sure that Americans are able to live.

America is too expensive and this is not just about having quality of life for those who are wealthy or well connected or well off, but

it is for every American and it starts with making America more affordable.

All right, Congresswoman Valerie Fuchsi will continue to watch your general election race very closely.

And remember, stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or watch live on our YouTube channel.