ROUNDUP: DLCC’s Spotlight Candidates Earn Nationwide Coverage, Blanketing Local Newspapers Across the Country in “Summer of the States” Campaign 

WASHINGTON —  The DLCC’s Spotlight program highlighting top state legislative races across the country is in full swing, and local coverage of these must-win races is charging our “Summer of the States” campaign. The “Summer of the States” campaign is a first-of-its-kind push calling attention to the critical window in the summer months to make key investments and build the infrastructure needed for Democrats to win in November. Part of that campaign involves spotlighting our top target races, which have been driving an array of local news headlines across the country as campaign season kicks into gear. 

The DLCC has designated 65 Spotlight candidates so far this year across 12 states with more on the way in key states like Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

The stakes couldn’t be higher this year to build Democratic power in the states to stop Donald Trump and his MAGA allies from a total takeover in the fall. The DLCC’s Spotlight candidates represent the best opportunities to stop Republicans’ extreme agenda in the states, and the DLCC is only just getting started for the summer. 

Check out coverage of the DLCC’s Spotlight candidates below:

Idaho: 

• Idaho Statesman: National Democrats are backing this Idaho House candidate. Can they flip a Republican seat?  

Iowa:

• Des Moines Register: National Democratic group boosts 7 ‘spotlight’ candidates in Iowa House and Senate races
• Cedar Rapids Gazette: Campaign Almanac: National Democratic campaign spotlights Iowa legislative candidates 
• Iowa Capital Dispatch: National Democrats spotlight seven Iowa legislative candidates
• The Daily Nonpareil: National Democratic group spotlights Council Bluffs state representative

• Bleeding Heartland: Meet the seven Iowa Democrats in national group’s spotlight
• KWQC: Election 2024: How Iowa Democrats plan to win more statehouse seats
• KHQA: DLCC Announces Spotlight Candidates to Combat Republican Power in Iowa
• KCCI: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Spotlighting Iowa Races

Maine:

• Portland Press Herald: National Democrats target two Republican seats in Maine Senate

Nebraska:

• Lincoln Journal Star: National Democrats eye 2 Nebraska legislative races in bid to curb ‘MAGA agenda’

Nevada:

• Nevada Current: National Democrats announce support for 7 Nevada legislative candidates
• The Nevada Independent: National group backs seven Dem legislative candidates

North Carolina:

• The News & Observer: Democrats say which NC lawmakers’ races they’ll prioritize. Here’s who’s targeted

• The Charlotte Observer: National Democrats jump into NC race: Why Rep. Tricia Cotham’s opponent will 
• Southeast Politics: Democrats’ National Legislative Political Arm Seeks To Reestablish Veto Power for Democratic Governor
• The Enterprise: Democratic group names Wilkins a ‘Spotlight’ candidate

Ohio:

• Cleveland.com: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced its 2024 Spotlight candidates in Ohio
• SiriusXM Progress: Sue Durichko and Rep. Willis Blackshear Jr

Oregon:

• Oregon Capital Chronicle: National Democratic group spotlights three Oregon legislative races

Pennsylvania:

• Erie Times News: Upset watch: Dems think these PA. state house seats are up for grabs in Nov.
• Bucks County Beacon: DLCC Releases List of Pennsylvania Spotlight Candidates For November’s General Election
• City and State PA: National Democratic group spotlights its “must-win” PA races in 2024
• Pennsylvania Capital-Star: DLCC names its spotlight candidates for the Pennsylvania General Assembly
• Politics PA: DLCC Names Its Spotlight Candidates for the Pennsylvania General Assembly
• Lower Bucks Times: Legislative Roundup

South Carolina:

• The State: National Democratic Support For State House Members

Texas:

• The Texan: DLCC Announces Spotlight Seats
• Rio Grande Guardian: DLCC is getting behind LaMantia’s re-election campaign

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