Swing-State Senators Miss DNC Event: Strategic Local Focus?

Three swing-state Democratic senators are opting out of their party’s national convention, prioritizing local voters over national party politics.

At a Glance

Senators Jon Tester (MT), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Sherrod Brown (OH) will skip the Democratic National Convention
All three face tight reelection races that could determine Senate control
Their absence reflects a strategy to appeal to diverse electorates in Republican-leaning states
Some House Democrats are also avoiding the convention, citing local priorities

Senators Prioritize Home States Over Party Convention

In a move that underscores the delicate balance between party loyalty and local appeal, three vulnerable Democratic senators have decided to skip the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Senators Jon Tester of Montana, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio will remain in their home states, focusing on their constituents rather than joining the national party gathering.

This decision comes as all three senators face challenging reelection bids in states where Republican sentiment runs strong. Their absence from the convention is a calculated move to distance themselves from national party politics and maintain their appeal to a broad range of voters.

Balancing Act in Republican-Leaning States

The political landscape in these senators’ home states presents unique challenges. Former President Donald Trump won both Montana and Ohio in the 2016 and 2020 elections, while President Biden narrowly secured Nevada in 2020. This Republican-leaning environment necessitates a careful approach from Democratic incumbents.

“Three vulnerable Senate Democrats plan to skip next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where members of their party will gather to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-democrats-skip-dnc/

Senator Tester, in particular, has yet to officially endorse Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid. Both Tester and Brown have previously called on President Biden to withdraw from the race, signaling their desire to chart an independent course in their reelection campaigns.

House Democrats Follow Suit

The trend of skipping the convention extends beyond the Senate. Several House Democrats from competitive districts are also opting out, including Representatives Yadira Caraveo (CO), Jared Golden (ME), Josh Harder (CA), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), and Val Hoyle (OR). These representatives cite various reasons for their absence, from focusing on reelection efforts to addressing local emergencies.

“We don’t anticipate she will attend,” Karmen Fore, Hoyle’s chief of staff, told us in an email. “[Hoyle] will be in Oregon. Wildfires are getting worse out here and working this is her priority right now.” https://punchbowl.news/article/election-2024/vulnerable-democrats-to-skip-dnc-convention/

Strategic Distancing and Local Focus

The decision to skip the convention reflects a broader strategy among vulnerable Democrats to emphasize their independence and focus on local issues. Senator Tester, for instance, maintains that the top-of-ticket changes will not affect his campaign strategy.

“I develop my own enthusiasm,” Tester said with a grin. https://punchbowl.news/article/election-2024/vulnerable-democrats-to-skip-dnc-convention/

This approach allows these senators to navigate the complex political landscape of their states, where aligning too closely with national party figures might alienate crucial swing voters.

Implications for the Democratic Party

While the absence of these key senators might raise eyebrows, it’s not uncommon for lawmakers to skip national conventions, which are primarily focused on presidential campaigns and party donors. However, their decisions underscore the challenges facing the Democratic Party in maintaining unity while allowing vulnerable members to craft individual strategies for their diverse constituencies.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the balancing act performed by these swing-state Democrats will be closely watched. Their success or failure could have significant implications for the party’s control of the Senate and its ability to implement its agenda in the years to come.