Democratic Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada is facing a tough re-election battle in one of the most competitive House races in the country. Despite the increase in volunteers and energy in her district due to Vice President Kamala Harris, Lee remains focused on hyper-local issues and does not plan to align herself more closely with the top of her party’s ticket. Similar sentiments were echoed by other Democratic lawmakers and candidates in competitive races across the country, who are benefiting from the energy Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are bringing to their campaigns but maintaining a focus on local issues.
Candidates like former Arizona legislator Kirsten Engel in a Republican district partially on the US-Mexico border are experiencing a surge in grassroots enthusiasm inspired by Harris. Despite this, they continue to call out both parties on issues like border security and immigration reform. In places like western Pennsylvania, Harris’s previous position on banning fracking has raised questions among voters, but Democrats are hopeful that her recent stance on the issue will resonate with key constituencies and help their campaigns.
Some candidates, like California Democrat Rudy Salas, see campaigning with Harris as important for capturing energy but do not plan to shift their message away from local issues. Conversely, candidates like former federal prosecutor Will Rollins in California view Harris’s background as an asset for their campaigns and have seen increased donations and social media following as a result. Rollins believes that Harris’s message resonates with swing voters and is helping him target younger demographics.
The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’s running mate has provided down-ballot Democrats with a powerful partner, as Walz’s experience and ability to connect with constituents in conservative-leaning districts are seen as assets for their campaigns. While Republicans have criticized Walz, Democrats believe he brings stability to the ticket and is an effective advocate for their message. The surge in enthusiasm among grassroots supporters can be attributed to Harris being a historic nominee who provides fresh energy to the party and alleviates concerns about Biden, particularly regarding his age and ability to engage with voters.
The excitement surrounding Harris’s candidacy as the first female, Black, and South Asian female president carries extra significance in districts like Democrat Shomari Figures in Alabama, where the civil rights movement has deep roots. Figures sees the historical context in his district as a meaningful reflection of the impact of Harris’s candidacy, with voters responding positively to her groundbreaking status. Overall, Democrats are leveraging the energy and enthusiasm generated by Harris’s candidacy to mobilize volunteers, engage voters, and build momentum for the upcoming election.
