Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has attributed a shifting political landscape to a backlash against aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which could foreshadow Democratic gains in November. Lightfoot cited recent Democratic overperformance in states like Florida and Texas as a sign of the future. She also noted that the backlash is already influencing Washington, including in the battle over Department of Homeland Security funding. Despite not planning to run for office again, Lightfoot said she is interested in political strategy and advising candidates. She downplayed tensions between the left and middle of the Democratic Party, stating that internal debate is healthy so long as candidates stay authentic and grounded in voters' realities. Progressive activist Kat Abughazaleh is focusing on a broader effort to support left-leaning candidates nationwide, especially in the Midwest.