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Press Releases |

RELEASE: State Democrats are Shattering Records While Republicans are Stepping Down

State Democrats are breaking candidate recruitment records while Republicans are “headed for the exits” in droves

WASHINGTON — Another week, another round of state Democrats trouncing state Republicans. As the DLCC announces record candidate recruitment and launches target races earlier than ever, state Republicans are suffering yet another headache as dozens of leaders head for the exits.

Historic candidate recruitment

State Democrats have been shattering records with candidate recruitment numbers across the country, marking the latest display of grassroots enthusiasm and Democratic momentum heading into November. Following the resounding success of flipping 30 seats since Trump’s election, “more Democratic candidates [are] running than any time in recent history” in many states – especially in red districts. These “once-in-a-generation levels of participation” build on the DLCC’s most expansive midterm strategy.

GOP exodus raises alarm bells

Meanwhile, “Republicans are losing clout” after the last 14 months have revealed a pattern of retirements and resignations among GOP state leaders across the country. Politico reports that at least 14 Republican leaders are “headed for the exits” compared to about half as many Democrats, “in another possible sign of midterm trouble.”

DLCC announces Target Races 

As Republicans play recruitment Whac-A-Mole with a growing number of vacancies, the DLCC is full steam ahead to execute our ambitious midterm strategy. We’ve launched our first 50 Target Races earlier than ever in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, and more. Over 500 districts have been identified as targets in the DLCC’s most expansive map ever, including 300 districts held by Republicans – the DLCC is on clear offense heading into the midterms.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“From flipping 30 seats to shattering candidate recruitment records, Democrats are continuing to pick up steam heading into the midterms. The incredibly strong candidates raising their hands to run for office are laser-focused on making life more affordable for working families, and the DLCC has the strategy to support their campaigns to victory across every corner of the country. Meanwhile, the GOP is scrambling as legislators jump off their sinking ship, and they have yet to flip a single seat since Trump’s election. The contrast couldn’t be clearer as the DLCC executes our strategy to win the largest shift of power at this ballot level in decades.”

Check out these headlines of Republicans’ growing headaches in state legislative races:  

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states.

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