Here's How Leaders Like Matt Meyer Are Proving Bipartisan Action Actually Works for People

In Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer stands at a crossroads, voicing a conviction that resonates far beyond the First State’s borders. He insists on working with anyone, regardless of party, to deliver tangible results for his constituents. His commitment arrives at a pivotal moment, as Americans grow weary of the partisan bickering that has paralyzed Washington. Meyer’s pledge is not just a local promise; it reflects a broader, urgent demand for leaders who prioritize people over politics.

The nation is exhausted. Polls reveal that 62% of Americans crave bipartisan success from their president, with similar numbers yearning for Congress to bridge divides. Yet, the reality in Washington often feels like a betrayal of that hope. Legislative gridlock, fueled by entrenched party loyalists, stifles progress on issues like health care, economic relief, and workforce development. Meyer’s stance offers a counterpoint, a reminder that governance can still serve the common good.

This is no naive idealism. Delaware’s governor is tapping into a deep-seated public frustration, one that transcends ideology. The rise of independents, now outnumbering both major parties, underscores a collective rejection of the status quo. Voters are not asking for grand gestures; they want leaders who will roll up their sleeves and find common ground. Meyer’s approach, rooted in pragmatism, challenges the notion that division is inevitable.

But the stakes are high. As polarization reaches historic peaks, with Congress scoring an alarming 88.55 on the Vanderbilt Unity Index, the risk of governance collapsing under the weight of distrust looms large. Meyer’s call to action is a beacon, urging leaders to rebuild trust by putting constituents first. The question is whether this vision can withstand the forces that thrive on discord.

Recent data paints a clear picture: Americans want collaboration. A 2025 poll shows 46% of Democrats, 58% of independents, and even 83% of Republicans urging President Trump to work across the aisle. The appetite for bipartisan legislative efforts is equally strong, with 59% of independents and 47% of Democrats favoring representatives who prioritize cross-party solutions. These numbers reveal a public desperate for leaders who can deliver, not just posture.

Real-world examples bolster this case. The Trade Review Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort to reassert congressional authority over tariffs, demonstrates that cooperation is possible even in a divided government. Similarly, criminal justice reforms like the EQUAL Act and the PREPARE Act for cannabis regulation have garnered support from both sides, proving that practical solutions can cut through ideological noise. These successes, though modest, highlight what’s at stake when leaders choose unity over division.

Yet, the path to cooperation is fraught. The filibuster, a tool that can foster negotiation by protecting minority input, is under scrutiny. Its defenders argue it forces compromise; its critics see it as a relic that entrenches gridlock. Meanwhile, effective lawmakers, often moderates or those facing reelection, quietly embed their proposals in must-pass bills like appropriations packages. This behind-the-scenes work, while less glamorous, delivers results that constituents feel in their daily lives.

Contrast this with the alternative: a Congress captive to hardliners who prioritize party loyalty over progress. The 118th Congress, despite its internal struggles, saw steady legislative effectiveness, with high-performing lawmakers from both parties proving that collaboration works. Those who focus on constituent needs—streamlining health care, modernizing workforce development, or securing federal grants—build trust that transcends party lines. Meyer’s approach aligns with this model, emphasizing outcomes over ideology.

Opponents of bipartisanship often argue that compromise dilutes principle. They claim that standing firm on party lines ensures ideological purity and rallies the base. But this mindset ignores the human toll of gridlock. When Congress stalls, constituents suffer. Economic concerns like inflation and job security, rated as critical by 81% of Democrats and 78% of independents, go unaddressed. Health care reforms languish, and workforce development funding falters, leaving communities stranded.

The data is damning. Over 80% of Americans believe elected officials don’t care about people like them, a sentiment that fuels distrust and apathy. Polarization, now tying the U.S. with 18 other nations for the world’s highest rates, erodes social cohesion and democratic norms. The emotional dislike between parties, known as affective polarization, drives voters to extremes, not solutions. This is not governance; it’s a recipe for stagnation.

History offers a warning. The mid-20th century, with its bipartisan triumphs like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, showed what’s possible when leaders unite. Today’s Congress, by contrast, is hamstrung by centralized party power and a decline in committee influence. Only one in ten bills sponsored by committee chairs becomes law, a stark reminder of how polarization chokes progress. Those who cling to partisan purity risk alienating a public that craves results, not rhetoric.

Governor Meyer’s vision is not just a Delaware story; it’s a blueprint for the nation. By prioritizing constituent needs—economic relief, health care access, workforce training—he taps into a universal demand for governance that works. His willingness to collaborate with anyone who shares that goal reflects a truth too often ignored: the challenges we face don’t care about party lines. From reducing the national debt, a priority for 66% of Democrats and 81% of Republicans, to extending telehealth flexibilities, the opportunities for unity are vast.

Structural reforms could amplify this approach. Proposals like multi-member districts would increase competition and give constituents more choices, forcing lawmakers to focus on service over partisanship. Meanwhile, the unsung work of constituent services—helping families navigate federal bureaucracy or secure grants—remains a powerful tool for rebuilding trust. Lawmakers who excel here, like those recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, show that governance can still be human, responsive, and effective.

The alternative is bleak. A Congress that prioritizes spectacle over substance will only deepen the public’s cynicism. With only 45% of Republicans, 18% of independents, and 8% of Democrats optimistic about political cooperation, the window for change is narrow. Leaders like Meyer, who dare to bridge divides, offer a lifeline. They remind us that democracy thrives not on division, but on the courage to work together.