WASHINGTON — DLCC Spotlight Candidate Gary Clemons just overperformed and won his special election to the Kentucky Senate, protecting a crucial Democratic seat. The DLCC has a stellar record of winning special elections in battleground territory, and there are more high-stakes special elections on the horizon with majority-deciding races just weeks away.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“State Democrats are overperforming and winning special elections across every part of the country. The DLCC congratulates Sen.-elect Clemons on this victory as we gear up to compete on our most expansive target map ever in 2026, including making real inroads in red territory. Momentum is on our side as voters turn away from MAGA Republicans and back state Democrats who are fighting to lower costs. We must keep up this enthusiasm as we tackle our next special elections just weeks away, where majorities in our most competitive chambers are on the line.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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