The defeats suffered by Republican candidates in suburban swing districts handed control of the House to Democrats for the first time since 2010. Those defeats, while largely a referendum on President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE, also reveal significant challenges that Republicans will continue to face in suburbia in coming elections. Republicans can take back the suburbs, and perhaps the House, if they develop specific policy solutions that address political challenges among key demographic groups, and restore the party brand with voters who care about the tone and tenor of our political discourse.

First, Republicans must develop policy solutions appealing to suburban voters. Generally speaking, suburban voters tend to be more discerning about policy than those who simply choose to mark a straight party ticket. They are the men and women who are much more likely to visit the website of each candidate to read platform statements or listen to nuanced arguments in a debate. In short, these are the voters who ask, “How are the policies you support going to affect me and my family?”

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In 2020, Republicans should focus their policy platform on proposals appealing to suburban voters. A “suburban agenda” might include tackling government spending, an actual plan to address health care costs and access, reforms that both improve secondary education quality and make higher education more cost effective, and real infrastructure improvements. All of these issues resonate with suburban voters because they have tangible benefits for them and their communities.

Next, Republicans should address political challenges they face with key demographic groups. It would be repetitive to talk of how Republican voters are getting older and whiter as the rest of the voters, particularly in the suburbs, are younger and more diverse. We need to accept that fact. The real issue is what to do about it. Embracing younger and more diverse candidates would be the easiest way to bridge the gap. Republicans should recruit candidates that appeal to a wider swath of the electorate. This would include giving more support to female candidates, who are routinely sidelined by party bosses at the state and national levels.

Particular attention should be paid to state and local offices where candidates can run tailored campaigns, develop of a resume of public service and accomplishment, and use that experience as a springboard to higher office. In addition, Republican campaigns and candidates need to step out of their comfort zone and make a genuine effort to win the votes of women, minorities, and young people. Our candidates simply cannot afford to cede such a large group of voters to Democrats. Instead, we must confidently present our ideas to people from all walks of life.

When you run for Congress, you run to represent all the citizens of a district. It follows, therefore, that candidates should seek to spread our message to a wider range of voters during the campaign. We believe focusing on limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal restraint will resonate with voters across all demographics. We just have to go after them. Might it be uncomfortable at times? Perhaps. But watching our share of the voting public whittle away each election cycle is worse.

Finally, Republicans need to restore the party brand with suburban swing voters who care about the tone and tenor of our political discourse. If anyone still needs proof of this, simply look to suburban southern California. Long a stalwart Republican region, the districts that comprise what was once called “Reagan Country” turned blue in 2018. Why the switch? Did swing voters in that area suddenly become interested in the policy offerings of Democrats they had voted against for generations?

No. These suburban voters became disgusted with the conservative brand, the identity politics, the attacks against the media, the hatred of democratic institutions, and the blind following of a president who has reduced our political discourse to name calling on Twitter. These voters were the backbone of Reagan Country, and they know Republicans have wandered far off track. Restoring the brand means returning to the foundational beliefs that unite all Republicans. Voters support limited government, individual liberty, fiscal restraint, and global leadership.

Republicans must be willing to call out members of our own party, and even the president, when they are not acting in a manner consistent with Republican values or societal norms. We must be willing to call out racism and misogyny and not couch those statements in any way. We must not condone the hyperpartisan tactics that pervade our nation today.

Sometimes a loss teaches more important lessons than a win. This is the case for Republicans after the 2018 midterms. By developing specific policy solutions appealing to suburban voters, addressing political challenges among key demographic groups, and restoring the brand, Republicans can reverse the losses of this election cycle and win back suburban voters who were proud to support our party in the past.

Meghan Milloy and Jennifer Pierotti Lim are the cofounders of Republican Women for Progress. Milloy previously worked for American Action Forum and Lim previously worked for the United States Chamber of Commerce.