Democrats Grapple with the Trump Factor in 2024 Senate Races
Democrats are facing a critical strategic dilemma as they attempt to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections: how much to emphasize – or de-emphasize – former President Donald Trump in their campaigns. The debate is playing out vividly in the Texas Senate race, where two Democratic candidates are charting divergent paths, and reflects a broader division within the party about the enduring power of Trump as a fundraising and motivational tool.
The central question is whether continuing to focus on Trump will energize the Democratic base and drive donations, or if voters are ready for a shift in focus towards issues like affordability and economic concerns. This challenge is compounded by the fact that Republicans have already signaled their intention to fully embrace Trump’s involvement in the midterms.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett launched her Senate campaign with a direct challenge to the former president, highlighting her willingness to confront him. In a campaign video, Crockett remained silent as audio of Trump’s past insults – including repeated references to her “very low-IQ” – played, culminating in a defiant smile. During a recent speech, she directly addressed Trump, stating, “You’re not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because I’m coming for you.” Trump responded dismissively, calling her candidacy “a gift to Republicans” and questioning her qualifications as a politician.
This confrontational approach echoes a strategy Democrats have employed for nearly a decade, using attacks on Trump to galvanize support and boost fundraising. Several potential 2028 presidential contenders, including California’s Gavin Newsom and Illinois’ JB Pritzker, have similarly raised their profiles by positioning themselves as staunch opponents of the former president. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly recently leveraged a dispute with Trump – stemming from the president’s accusations of “seditious behavior” – into a national press tour and a surge in fundraising.
However, not all Democrats believe this strategy is the most effective path forward. State Rep. James Talarico is pursuing a different approach, focusing on issues he believes resonate more deeply with voters. He has gained attention through viral social media content challenging Republican claims to Christian values and emphasizing the divide between “top versus bottom” in American society. Talarico has largely avoided direct engagement with Trump on the campaign trail.
This divergence in strategy mirrors recent Democratic successes in states like New Jersey and Virginia, where gubernatorial candidates won by prioritizing affordability concerns. Incoming New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill recently noted that while Trump motivates opposition voters, relying solely on anti-Trump fervor is insufficient. “Trump makes a difference. He’s a forcing mechanism to coalesce the party,” Sherrill said, “But to really turn out the vote in a really strong manner, you have got to run a really sharp campaign.”
According to one Democratic pollster, “Trump is the red meat that drives donors,” acknowledging that some candidates may prioritize fundraising over broader electoral appeal. However, the long-term viability of this approach is being questioned. A senior aide for Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin’s successful campaign in Michigan cautioned that “in the not-too-distant future, Trump will not be on the ballot and that will be a challenge for both parties.”
Republicans, meanwhile, are fully committed to leveraging Trump’s popularity. Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, stated that Trump will campaign aggressively during the midterms and the party intends to “put him on the ballot.” A veteran Republican pollster, Neil Newhouse, described Trump as “the greatest vote energizer in the history of politics,” while acknowledging that his appeal extends to Democratic voters as well. Newhouse warned that while Trump’s popularity doesn’t automatically translate to success for other candidates, “there isn’t an alternative.”
Trump himself underscored this strategy at a recent rally in Pennsylvania, blaming Democrats for inflation and promising to bring prices down. The White House has indicated that Trump will be increasing his travel schedule in the coming months.
As Democrats navigate this complex landscape, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between harnessing the energy generated by opposition to Trump and addressing the everyday concerns of voters. The outcome of this strategic debate will likely play a significant role in determining control of Congress and shaping the future of the Democratic Party.
Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report.
