Well, isn’t this rich? Two Democratic women from Virginia who rode the so-called “blue wave” to Congress in 2018 are now packing up and heading home, just as the political tides are turning. Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton came to Washington with big dreams and lofty promises, but as their terms come to a close, it’s fair to ask: what exactly did they accomplish? And why are they leaving now, when the stakes couldn’t be higher?

Let’s start with Abigail Spanberger, the former CIA officer turned congresswoman. She positioned herself as a moderate, a voice of reason in a party that’s drifted so far left it’s barely recognizable. But being a moderate Democrat in 2024 is a bit like being the designated driver at a frat party—your presence is appreciated, but no one’s listening to you. Spanberger spent much of her time trying to distance herself from the progressive wing of her party, a strategy that won her a few pats on the back but little in the way of actual power. Her departure feels less like the end of a mission and more like an admission that the Democratic Party’s ship has sailed without her.

And then there’s Jennifer Wexton, who, to her credit, seemed genuinely committed to addressing issues like healthcare and education. But as we’ve seen time and time again, good intentions don’t always translate into effective governance. Wexton entered Congress during a time of deep division, and while she may have hoped to bridge the gap, she ended up as just another voice in the partisan cacophony. Now, as she prepares to step aside, it’s hard to point to any significant achievements that justify the fanfare surrounding her initial election.

What’s fascinating is the timing of their exits. These aren’t just any Democrats; they represent suburban districts that were once Republican strongholds. Their victories in 2018 were seen as a turning point, a sign that Democrats could win over moderate voters in traditionally conservative areas. But four years later, those same voters are disillusioned. The promises of unity and progress have given way to record inflation, skyrocketing crime, and an administration that seems more focused on identity politics than actual governance. It’s no wonder these districts are poised to swing back to the right.

Spanberger and Wexton’s departures also come at a critical moment for their party. Donald Trump is preparing for his second term, and the Republican Party is more energized than ever. The border crisis, economic instability, and growing concerns over public safety have created a perfect storm for conservative candidates to make significant gains. By stepping aside now, these two congresswomen are leaving their party to fend for itself in what promises to be one of the most contentious political battles in recent history.

Of course, the media will frame their exits as noble sacrifices, women who “did their part” and are now moving on to new challenges. But let’s be honest: politicians don’t leave Congress at critical moments unless they see the writing on the wall. Spanberger and Wexton know that the Democratic Party is in trouble, and rather than stick around for the fallout, they’re choosing to bow out gracefully.

The truth is, their stories aren’t unique. They’re part of a broader trend of Democrats who came to Washington with big plans but found themselves stymied by their own party’s dysfunction. Instead of being agents of change, they became symbols of a movement that promised much and delivered little. And now, as the political landscape shifts once again, they’re heading for the exits, leaving their constituents to deal with the mess.

So, what’s the takeaway here? For one, it’s a reminder that political waves, no matter how big, always recede. The 2018 “blue wave” may have swept Spanberger and Wexton into office, but it’s clear that the tide is turning. And for Republicans, their departures are an opportunity to reclaim ground lost during the chaos of the past few years. Because at the end of the day, elections aren’t about missions or movements—they’re about results. And if Spanberger and Wexton’s time in Congress is any indication, the Democrats are fresh out of those.