By Dominick Lombardi
Orange Republican Town Committee
Dominick Lombardi
We’re in the bottom of the ninth inning of the 2024 election, and polls suggest this one’s going down to the wire. Recently, a politically engaged constituent admitted to me that he wasn’t entirely sure where the two major parties stand today – and he’s not alone.
If you trace the evolution of America’s political landscape, it’s clear both parties have shifted over time. Years ago, my family was affiliated with the “old-school” Democratic party – champions of the working class, opponents of unnecessary wars and supporters of traditional family values. On the flip side, they saw Republicans as the party of country clubs, Wall Street elites and Hollywood insiders who seemed out of touch with ordinary Americans.
But times have changed – and so have the parties and their voters. For example, imagine telling a political insider four years ago that Vice President Kamala Harris would receive endorsements from former Republicans Liz and Dick Cheney. They’d have laughed you out of the room. Yet here we are. Similarly, no one would predict that RFK Jr., an environmental lawyer, and Tulsi Gabbard, a former DNC leader and Democratic congresswoman, would team up with former President Donald Trump in 2024.
With political alliances shifting so rapidly, it’s no wonder voters feel overwhelmed. I believe the best way to serve the voters in our town is by offering a straightforward, fact-based comparison of where each party stands today. This way, you can cut through the noise and make an informed decision at the ballot box.
To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, I have taken the information directly from each party’s official platform, as adopted at their respective 2024 conventions. These platforms, available on the RNC and DNC websites, represent the formal policy positions approved by each party. Each platform covers a wide range of policy topics. For those interested in deeper insights, I encourage reading the full documents on their respective websites. In this overview, I’ll provide a concise breakdown of the key issues driving many voters to the polls this November.
On the economy, Democrats prioritize wealth redistribution, advocating for a 25 percent minimum tax on high-earning tax brackets and an increase in the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent. Their platform also emphasizes student loan forgiveness, free community college and expanded child care and family leave programs. In contrast, Republicans remain committed to preserving the Trump-era tax cuts, reducing additional tax burdens on service workers and senior citizens, reducing government regulation and opposing large-scale student loan relief, favoring market-driven solutions and individual accountability.
The divide is equally prominent in energy and climate policy. Democrats pursue aggressive green energy initiatives, including electric vehicle mandates, federal subsidies for renewable technologies and phasing out fossil fuels entirely. They also emphasize environmental justice, aiming to redistribute resources to marginalized communities. Republicans, meanwhile, advocate for energy independence through increased production of American oil, gas and nuclear power. They reject mandates like those imposed by the Green New Deal, opposing environmental regulations they argue raise costs for consumers.
In health care and social programs, the Democratic platform calls for expanding Medicaid to cover undocumented immigrants and supports government-funded gender-affirming care, even for minors. Additionally, Democrats push for unrestricted access to abortion, seeking to override state-level restrictions. Republicans oppose these policies, advocating for a market-based health care systems, restrictions on taxpayer-funded gender-related treatments and abiding by state abortion limitations with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother.
The parties diverge sharply on immigration and border security. Democrats support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, oppose the completion of the southern border wall, and advocate for the creation and expansion of sanctuary cities. Republicans focus on securing the border, completing the border wall and deporting undocumented immigrants while opposing sanctuary city policies and demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Education and parental rights have also become diverging areas of opinion. Democrats promote the teaching of gender identity education and critical race theory in schools, opposing parental control bills that limit access to such curricula. They back public education funding while opposing school choice initiatives. Republicans take the opposite approach, banning CRT and gender ideology in schools and while supporting public education, also believe in emphasizing school choice, including vouchers, charter schools and homeschooling options.
On social issues, Democrats support expansive gender rights, including taxpayer-funded gender surgeries and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. They also advocate for unrestricted abortion access, including late-term procedures. Republicans, by contrast, promote traditional family values, restrict biological males from competing in women’s sports, and defend religious freedoms. They also advocate for states (through the voters) to determine abortion restrictions as ruled by the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Law and order remain another key area of division. Democrats prioritize police reform, reducing incarceration, eliminating cash bail and enacting stricter gun control measures, including assault weapon bans. Republicans, however, oppose police defunding and call for increased law enforcement funding, stricter penalties for violent criminals and the protection of Second Amendment rights against federal restrictions.
These are just a few of the key issues dominating the headlines and reflecting the deepest divides between the two major parties. The 2024 election stands as one of the most polarized in modern history, with party platforms and candidate positions drawing sharper contrasts than ever before.
As we approach this crucial election, it is essential to do two things. First, do your research. I cannot emphasize this enough. While I feel as though I provided a fair assessment of where the two parties stand, I am encouraging you to further your research and do not just rely on one person or news outlet to get your information from. Second, vote your values. Your vote isn’t just a choice, it’s a statement about the future you want to create for yourself, your family and your community.
As the chairman of the Orange Republican Town Committee, I am incredibly proud of the Republican slate that will appear on the ballot this November. It includes resolute incumbents with proven leadership and dynamic newcomers who bring fresh energy and a commitment to serving our community. As a young American with hopes of building a life in a strong, prosperous community and country – just as my parents and grandparents did – I will be casting my vote for Republicans from registrar of voters to president of the United States.
Our nation is at a pivotal moment. We need leaders with courage in their convictions, loyalty to the people, and faith-based values guiding their actions. In my view, the Republican Party and its candidates offer the only viable path forward.
Yet, no matter your choice, remember this: voting is among the greatest rights we hold as Americans. It is our opportunity to hire and fire our leaders, holding them accountable to the people they serve. Government serves us – we do not serve it.
On election day, I urge you to vote with American pride and civility. Those who vote differently are not enemies; they are fellow Americans. Disagreement is a cornerstone of this republic, but it only strengthens us if it remains respectful. My hope is that no friendship or family relationship will ever be lost over differing political choices. Our republic is not only built on free and fair elections but also on the ability to disagree civilly. As I learned in kindergarten at Mary L. Tracy School, treat others the way you want to be treated.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the polls on election day – but remember, you can vote early at Town Hall as well. However you choose to do it, just vote. Your voice matters. Make it heard.
Dominick Lombardi is the chair of the Orange Republican Town Committee.