This chapter investigates the evolving role of political parties in Swedish local government and their changing roles’ implications for representative democracy. It explores how parties, traditionally the backbone of democratic participation and governance, now face challenges in recruitment, representation, and linking citizens to decision-making. Declining membership, difficulties in candidate nominations, and weak social representativeness among elected officials highlight some structural weaknesses. The chapter also examines rising premature resignations and threats against politicians, disproportionately affecting women and youth. Furthermore, it discusses the emergence of local parties as both a symptom of disillusionment with established actors and a sign of democratic resilience. The findings underscore a paradox: while trust in electoral democracy remains high, parties may hinder broader participation, which raises concerns about inclusivity and the democratic vitality of Sweden’s local political systems.