BigTentUSA wrapped up its final virtual event of the year with an energizing conversation featuring Gretchen Barton of Worthy Strategy Group and Michael Frias of Catalist. They broke down what the 2025 results and new exit polling are telling us about the road ahead and shared the key shifts that will shape the fight to win back Congress in 2026.
The speakers reminded everyone that real progress happens when Democrats connect with swing voters by listening, finding shared values, and showing there’s room for them in the bigger pro-democracy community—rather than pushing them away.
They also dug into what the 2025 electorate revealed about persuasion and turnout, how different groups showed up, and where the biggest opportunities lie next year. And they closed with practical advice on how people, campaigns, and organizations can step up now—including smart ways to direct political donations so they make the strongest possible impact.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Gretchen Barton is the founder of Worthy Strategy Group, a research and strategy firm shaping influential narratives in American public life. A leading researcher and strategist, she has led national studies on poverty, women and leadership, the youth vote, immigration, gender in America, global nuclear disarmament, how Americans discern truth, what they seek in their next president, and what the Democratic and Republican brands signify. Over the past three years, she has spearheaded research and messaging in support of Ukraine and advocated for the return of Ukrainian children captured by Russian forces. Her work has been used by the U.S. State Department, global governments, and NGOs. She has also worked extensively to identify programs and messaging that reduce antisemitism. Gretchen has conducted interviews with over 3,000 Americans and designed polling reaching more than 200,000. She heads the American Leadership Project and advises History Wars. A Cornell graduate, she has authored multiple publications and research studies.
Michael Frias is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalist, the premier progressive data and analytics firm supporting campaigns, advocacy groups, and civic organizations nationwide. As Catalist’s first Latino CEO, he has led the company through a period of innovation, strengthening its role as a trusted source of rigorous and actionable insights into the American electorate. Michael brings over twenty years of experience at the intersection of politics, government, and national security. At the Department of Homeland Security, he served as Deputy Chair of the Common Vetting Task Force, where he led the creation of a big data environment to improve information sharing across DHS and the intelligence community, earning the Secretary’s Award for Excellence from Secretary Jeh Johnson. His political experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, holding senior roles in Governor Janet Napolitano’s administration, and leading statewide and national campaigns. He advises several innovation- and equity-focused organizations.
