Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, said March 26 that the ‘populist GOP he scolds has already moved on,’ in response to former Vice President Mike Pence’s recent comments about the direction of the conservative movement. The statement comes as Republican leaders continue to assess changes in the party’s platform and voter coalitions following the 2024 presidential election.
The discussion reflects ongoing internal debates within the Republican Party regarding leadership roles and policy priorities. According to Steve Cortes, ‘Mike Pence anoints himself as the lifeguard of the conservative pool. He lectures us from a CNN perch (of all platforms) but the populist GOP he scolds has already moved on.’ Cortes issued his remarks after Pence appeared on CNN to discuss shifts within conservatism, as Republican leaders evaluate how their base and priorities have evolved since 2024. The timing highlights continued conversations about where party leadership should focus next, according to a post by Cortes.
Recent research supports observations of a changing Republican coalition. A December 2025 national survey by the Manhattan Institute found that the party has broadened its appeal to include more working-class voters who are drawn to economic policies associated with its populist wing. The analysis indicates that these new supporters often favor pragmatic economic measures over strictly ideological ones, resulting in a mix of priorities among Republicans.
Polling from early 2026 shows continued alignment among Republican voters with positions emphasizing domestic economic protections and less focus on some traditional establishment frameworks. Multiple surveys indicate that themes resonating with this new coalition have become central to party identity since 2024, according to CNBC.
Cortes founded the League of American Workers to advocate for pro-worker patriotic populism and continues to lead it as president. He previously served in advisory roles for Republican administrations and focuses his work on policies prioritizing U.S. workers and aligning with evolving Republican priorities.
