MARBLEHEAD — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton called for sweeping reforms within the Democratic Party, arguing that the party must redefine its policies and leadership to regain voter trust and win future elections.

Moulton officially launched his campaign last October to challenge Sen. Ed Markey in the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session, hosted by Seth for Massachuetts, with residents on Sunday evening at the Philanthropic Lodge, Moulton repeatedly emphasized that Democrats have become too focused on opposing President Donald Trump rather than offering clear alternatives on key issues such as immigration, economic policy, and emerging technologies.

“This is not just about resistance,” Moulton said. “We’ve got to lead.”

Moulton said one of the party’s biggest challenges is a lack of defined policy positions, pointing to immigration as an example. While many Democrats oppose Trump-era enforcement policies, he said fewer can clearly articulate what their own approach would be.

“How many Democrats can tell me what Democrats’ immigration policy is?” he asked. After no one in the crowd raised their hand, he said,  “That’s a big problem.”

He outlined a framework that includes prosecuting abuses within immigration enforcement, incentivizing legal immigration, and creating a pathway to citizenship, arguing that clarity and consistency are essential for rebuilding public confidence.

Moulton framed his campaign as part of a broader push to challenge what he described as an entrenched political establishment within his own party. He cited voter dissatisfaction as evidence that change is needed.

“More than seven out of every 10 Democrats in Massachusetts do not like the Democratic establishment in power today,” he said.

Moulton argued that party leaders have avoided difficult conversations on major issues, including federal deficits and Social Security reform, because they are politically risky. He said both Democrats and Republicans share responsibility for rising deficits, criticizing policies that combine increased spending with reduced revenue.

“The deficit has exploded,” he said, calling for greater fiscal accountability and political courage.

He pointed to his support for the Social Security 2100 proposal as an example of the type of policy debate the party should engage in, noting that relatively small changes could ensure the program’s long-term stability.

At the same time, Moulton said the Democratic Party must modernize its approach to new challenges, particularly artificial intelligence. He warned that while AI will bring major advancements, it will also disrupt the labor market and require proactive policy responses.

“We’re not prepared for the impact,” he said, adding that education reform and workforce training will be critical to helping Americans adapt.

He said Democrats must strike a balance between regulating emerging technologies and maintaining U.S. competitiveness, particularly in relation to global rivals.

Beyond policy, Moulton emphasized the need for a new style of leadership within the party, one that prioritizes direct engagement with voters and a willingness to challenge internal consensus.

“It’s very easy to yell at the other side,” he said. “It’s harder to stand up to your own folks and say, ‘We can do better.’”

He described his campaign as an effort to bring in a new generation of leaders and expand participation beyond traditional political networks. His earlier campaigns, he noted, relied heavily on grassroots organizing rather than institutional support.

During the forum, attendees asked questions on topics ranging from environmental policy to campaign strategy, reflecting broad interest in the direction of both the campaign and the Democratic Party.

Attendees said they were encouraged by Moulton’s emphasis on transparency and frequent public engagement.

Nick Ward, who asked a question regarding Moulton’s stance on environmental permitting, said, “I was interested in the contrast between the congressman and Sen. Markey on the specific issue of environmental permitting reform.”

Moulton framed the answer to Ward’s question as another area where Democrats must refine their approach to balance climate goals with infrastructure development.

He said existing laws, including long-standing environmental review processes, have played an important role in protecting natural resources but can also slow down or increase the cost of projects that are beneficial to the environment.

He pointed to clean energy infrastructure — such as high-voltage transmission lines and renewable energy projects — as examples of initiatives that complex permitting requirements can delay. Moulton argued that reforms should focus on making it easier to build projects that reduce emissions, while still maintaining safeguards against environmentally harmful development.

Christian Stumpf said, following the forum, he thought it was a “terrific chance to see his leadership in action.”

He added, “It was important for me as a volunteer to hear how the campaign was going from his perspective, versus third-party news agencies, which may or may not have the latest information.”

Stumpf said, “It’s good to know that we’re doing well with signature collection, which is one of the things I’ve volunteered for… Those are things that give me a lot of optimism for the campaign.”

After the forum, Moulton’s mother, Lynn Moulton, a Marblehead resident, said, “I’m very proud of him.” She added, “He works hard, and it shows, and he has a passion for it, and that shows, too; he’s in it for getting the work done.”

Moulton said success for the party will depend on its ability to present a clear vision and win back voters across the country, not just in traditionally Democratic areas.

“I want to get back to a Democratic Party that beats,” he said.

He added that the stakes extend beyond Massachusetts, framing his campaign as part of a national conversation about the party’s future.

“This race is bigger than Massachusetts,” Moulton said. “It’s about the future of the Democratic Party.”