A Resolution for 2026: Tune out the noise, turn out the vote By Lisa West

As we officially enter the 2026 midterms, with the primary in March and the general election in November, there is one aspect of campaign season that I dread more than any block-walking, phone-banking, or candidate outreach. For me, the hardest part  isn’t the work itself; it’s the interpersonal conflicts that arise within our own party, among our allies, and even among people I’ve considered friends. Even when I’m not directly involved, which, thankfully, is most of the time, it can be painful and stressful to watch, especially when it involves people I care about.

After a decade of actively working in Collin County elections, I’ve become well aware that this internal conflict is one of the most alienating parts of the political process for many people. For years, I’ve heard folks say that the public spillover, usually on social media, is a major reason they don’t get more involved in local politics. I’ve felt this way myself. There have been times when I’ve considered stepping back from political work altogether because these situations can be frustrating, hurtful, and often blown far out of proportion compared with what the underlying issue actually warrants.

There are many ways to handle a misunderstanding or painful interaction with someone in our community. Posting about it publicly is certainly one option, but in my experience, it very rarely resolves anything. If resolution is the goal, social media almost never helps; instead, it tends to deepen hurt and division among people who are otherwise natural allies.

I know I can’t control how others choose to deal with their frustrations, disagreements, or personal conflicts. Over the years I’ve asked people, gently, repeatedly, to avoid using social media as their battleground, but everyone who posts in this way feels justified in doing so.

So in 2026, I’m shifting my approach. I’ll spend less time trying to convince others to choose healthier, more constructive ways of resolving conflict. Instead, I’m focusing on what I can control: myself, my energy, and the purpose that brought me into local politics in the first place. My goal has never been to get caught up in social media drama; it’s to help elect better candidates.

For this 2026 midterm election cycle, I hope that anyone who has stayed away from local involvement because of online conflict will join me in refocusing. While we can’t control how others choose to handle their personal disputes, we can control how we show up and where we put our attention. If we want to see Democrats succeed in 2026, it will take many more of us choosing to direct our energy toward the work that actually makes a difference.

Please join me, and fellow Democrats across Collin County, in supporting our wonderful candidates and helping them win in 2026. Let’s keep the social media noise in the background and put our efforts where they matter most.