Democrats Quietly Back Independent Senate Candidates in Red States
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Democratic leaders in several red states are promoting independent candidates over their own party's nominees for the U.S. Senate, viewing them as stronger challengers to Republican incumbents. The Democratic National Committee and its allies are providing quiet support for this strategy. This approach is currently being employed in Nebraska, Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana.
Facts First
- Democratic leaders in Nebraska, Idaho, and Alaska are promoting independent candidates over Democratic nominees in Senate races.
- The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and its allies are providing quiet support for this strategy.
- Nebraska Democrats plan for their nominee to drop out to avoid pulling support from independent Dan Osborn, whom they view as the best chance to defeat Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.
- Independent candidates are also running in Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana, with some receiving support from Democratic-aligned fundraising and web services.
- The Alaska state Democratic Party declined to endorse its own Democratic candidate for the state's House seat, where an independent is running.
What Happened
Democratic leaders in Nebraska, Idaho, and Alaska are promoting independent candidates to compete in red states. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and its allies in Washington are providing quiet support for this strategy. In Nebraska, state Democratic chair Jane Kleeb stated that the party's U.S. Senate nominee, Cindy Burbank, plans to drop out to avoid pulling support from independent candidate Dan Osborn. Kleeb stated the Nebraska state party is backing independents in at least four state legislative seats in addition to the U.S. Senate race.
Why this Matters to You
This strategy could affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, which shapes national policy on issues from healthcare to taxes. If successful, it may lead to senators who are less bound by strict party lines, which could influence how legislation is negotiated and passed. For voters in these states, it means your ballot may feature a viable alternative to the Republican incumbent that has the tacit backing of the local Democratic Party.
What's Next
The independent candidates will continue their campaigns, with some, like Alaska's Bill Hill, showing strong early fundraising. The strategy's effectiveness will be tested in the November elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has already criticized several of these independent candidates, signaling that Republicans are likely to treat them as serious threats.