'Toxic masculinity' was a mistake. Now Democrats are paying the price

Democrats are discovering something on the campaign trail that conservatives have been saying for years: Men want to know that being a man still means something.

'Toxic masculinity' was a mistake. Now Democrats are paying the price

TL;DR

  • Men desire to understand the significance of being a man.
  • Masculinity is a notable undercurrent in several 2026 Senate races.
  • Democratic candidates are focusing on projecting toughness.
  • Democrats are defending themselves against Republican attacks on their masculinity.
  • Candidates are offering their own definitions of manhood.