You don't necessarily have to flip control from D to R (or vice versa) to make a difference. Both major parties cover a WIDE swath of preferences. For example,

You don't necessarily have to flip control from D to R (or vice versa) to make a difference. Both major parties cover a WIDE swath of preferences. For example, prior to going national, Kamala Harris was a relatively tough-on-crime prosecutor despite being a Democrat. Citizens in SF can elect local reps who will fund things shown to help reduce crime (mental health care, cheaper housing, etc). Or whatever else. Local to me, it's pretty much all Democrats as well. Within the party, I can pick candidates who want to build condos over both local golf courses. Or, I can pick candidates who want to keep that open green space. Granted, I have to vote in the primary here, as the general is almost guaranteed to go to a D.