Rep Julie Johnson says Democrats ‘don’t have to agree on all the issues’ to be ‘inclusive’

During an appearance on CNN with Jake Tapper, Johnson characterized the Democratic party as a space for a wide range of political beliefs.

“We’re a big tent,” Johnson said. “We’re a party that is inclusive for all the folks. We don’t have to agree on all the issues.”

Her comments come at a time when Democrats are facing growing internal friction over the party’s future direction, with emerging figures like New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani promoting more socialist views and identity-based politics. Johnson’s remarks tried to paint a more unified picture of the party.

Recent polling indicates the party faces significant challenges. A Wall Street Journal poll found that 63 percent of voters hold an unfavorable view of the Democratic Party, the highest level recorded since the poll began in 1990. The same poll found that more voters now identify as Republicans, who are also more trusted on key political issues that decide elections.

Johnson’s remarks also come as her own seat could be in jeopardy. Texas Republicans are advancing new redistricting maps, which President Donald Trump has speculated could lead to a five-seat gain for Republicans in the state. One of the seats at risk of changing could be Johnson’s.

Johnson previously called the redistricting maps a “disaster” that was "crafted to divide neighborhoods and rig the game for Donald Trump."

"It's a desperate move from a party losing its grip on a changing state," she wrote in a statement, according to Newsweek. "Thousands of Texans have overwhelmingly spoken up against this scheme across the state. The message is clear: We don't want this done in our name.”