Evan Barker, a former Democratic campaign operative, has announced her departure from the Democratic Party following her disillusioning experience at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Initially excited to attend, Barker felt overwhelmed by a sense of elitism and disconnect as she observed the party's focus on wealthy donors and identity politics, which she believes undermines true representation for working-class Americans. Having dedicated her career to fundraising for Democrats, she expressed deep disappointment at how the party has strayed from its roots, stating that it no longer reflects the values of families like her own, who have historically been loyal Democrats. Barker's op-ed in Newsweek highlights her growing frustration since 2017 with the party's reliance on wealthy contributors, culminating in a realization that the system is intentionally designed to exclude true representation for the working class. She emphasized that many of her family members have also left the party, feeling abandoned by its current direction. This shift underscores a broader narrative about the Democratic Party's evolving identity and its implications for its traditional base.