Key facts
- Vice President Kamala Harris is increasing her campaign involvement for the midterms.
- Several Democratic candidates, particularly in red states, have indicated they prefer Harris not to campaign for them.
- Concerns are cited regarding the Democratic brand's popularity and Harris's favorability numbers in certain districts.
- Harris's campaign maintains she will continue to support candidates where she can be effective.
- Some Democrats, like Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Massachusetts candidate Dan Koh, have welcomed Harris's support.
Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping up her involvement in the midterm election campaigns, but her presence is not universally welcomed by all Democrats. Some candidates, particularly in more conservative or rural districts, are expressing a preference for her to keep her distance, citing concerns that associating with national Democratic figures could be a political liability.
In Wisconsin, Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke stated she does not need Harris to campaign in her district, emphasizing her own relationship-building efforts. Similarly, Kansas Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton suggested that a figure like Harris might not resonate with the state's voters, who he aims to reach with a Kansas-centered campaign. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand also indicated he would prefer Harris not to appear with him.
This hesitancy is partly attributed to the Democratic brand remaining unpopular in many areas, even as President Donald Trump's approval ratings have also dipped. Harris's own favorability numbers have been a factor, with some Democrats viewing her as a prominent, though potentially divisive, figure.
Alaska's Democratic Senate nominee, Mary Peltola, saw her campaign indicate a lack of need for endorsements from "Lower 48" figures after Harris's team sent a fundraising email on her behalf. This trend reflects a broader strategy among some red-state and rural Democrats to distance themselves from national party figures.
However, not all Democrats are shying away from Harris's support. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has welcomed her assistance in his re-election campaign. In Massachusetts, Dan Koh, who won a House primary, actively campaigned using support from both Harris and President Joe Biden.
A spokesperson for Harris stated that the Vice President will continue to raise money and travel for candidates where she believes she can make a difference, emphasizing a strategy of competing everywhere and supporting candidates in tough races.