In downballot politics news, three significant stories broke on Wednesday that are worth exploring further. Firstly, Wisconsin Republicans have passed new legislative maps proposed by the state’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers who fear that the GOP is playing unfair. Democrats are urging Evers to veto the plans.
Secondly, the Freedom Caucus, a group known for breaking Congress, has seen one of its members, Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, resign from the House, claiming that Congress is broken. This is ironic considering the role the Freedom Caucus has played in causing dysfunction. Green was even deemed too toxic by his fellow Republicans when Donald Trump nominated him for a top government post.
Lastly, Democrats in California’s 22nd District are trying to avoid a top-two lockout, but now Republicans are facing their own problem. A MAGA extremist candidate may prevent a more pragmatic GOP congressman from reaching the general election. Republicans are desperate to get rid of this “shitbag” candidate.
In other news, Democrats had a big win in Tuesday’s special election in New York. On this week’s episode of “The Downballot” podcast, the hosts discuss how Tom Suozzi’s victory affects the Democrats’ plan to take back the House. They also delve into the excuses Republicans have been making to downplay their defeat, with immigration and abortion being key issues. The hosts then interview Alex Roarty, a politics reporter at NOTUS, a nonprofit newsroom that promotes a new model for covering news and training reporters. Roarty shares his thoughts on key down-ballot races to watch this year.
Moving on to Senate news, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff is doubling down on ads aimed at helping the main Republican in the California Senate race, former Major League Baseball player Steve Garvey. Schiff’s ads are part of a $10 million statewide buy and aim to boost Garvey’s profile with Republican voters while ostensibly attacking him. Schiff hopes that by encouraging Republicans to consolidate behind Garvey, it will be easier to beat him in the general election.
In Michigan, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig has dropped out of the GOP primary for Senate due to fundraising challenges. Democrats had hoped Craig, who campaigned as a Trump loyalist, would weaken the GOP’s chances. However, Craig has not given up on winning elected office and is considering running for mayor of Detroit next year.
Wealthy businessman Tim Sheehy has launched a six-figure TV and digital ad campaign in Montana to highlight his recent endorsement from Donald Trump. Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL and refers to himself as a political outsider. He is running in the June GOP primary against Rep. Matt Rosendale.
In New Mexico, former Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales has been disqualified from running for the Senate due to a lack of signatures. Businesswoman Nella Domenici is now the only Republican taking on Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich.
In Wisconsin, wealthy businessman Scott Mayer has hired 20 staffers for a potential campaign for the GOP nomination for Senate. Mayer has criticized fellow candidate Eric Hovde, saying that Wisconsin voters may not want a senator who lives in California. Hovde is expected to announce his campaign soon, but former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, who was considering running, has shown no signs of campaign activity.
In House news, the House Freedom Caucus has launched a $759,000 ad buy to help Rep. Barry Moore fend off fellow incumbent Jerry Carl in their GOP primary showdown in Alabama’s 1st District. State Rep. David Jenkins has dropped out of the primary to replace retiring Rep. Drew Ferguson in Georgia’s 3rd District. EMILY’s List has endorsed Sue Altman in her bid to unseat first-term Republican Rep. Tom Kean in New Jersey’s 7th District.
In New York’s 3rd District, Republican Mazi Pilip hinted that she might challenge Rep. Tom Suozzi for a full term despite her loss in the special election. However, former President Donald Trump does not support her second attempt. The GOP primary is scheduled for June 25, but the district’s boundaries may change due to redistricting.
In Pennsylvania, candidate filing for the April 23 primary has closed, and challenges to opponents’ signatures are expected.
In state legislature news, Democrat Jim Prokopiak won a special election for Pennsylvania’s 140th House District, giving Democrats a majority in the state House.
In mayoral news, former San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell has announced that he will challenge Mayor London Breed in the November election. Farrell, who served as interim mayor in 2018, agrees with many of Breed’s moderate views but is concerned about crime in the city.
Overall, these developments in downballot politics highlight the ongoing battles and shifting dynamics within parties as they prepare for upcoming elections.
