Key facts
- Democratic candidates are campaigning by emphasizing their distance from Washington.
- In Minnesota, Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are competing in a key primary.
- Flanagan has characterized Craig as an "institutional corporate Democrat" and "Washington insider."
- Craig argues that voters are frustrated with political rhetoric that doesn't lead to accomplishments.
- Republicans are using candidates' ties to Washington against them in campaign ads.
- Democratic-aligned PACs have spent significant sums to support candidates.
Democratic candidates across the country are attempting to distance themselves from Washington D.C. and the party establishment, framing themselves as outsiders who can deliver results rather than career politicians. This strategy is evident in key races, such as the battle for an open Senate seat in Minnesota, where Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are vying for the nomination.
Flanagan has directly attacked Craig, labeling her an "institutional corporate Democrat" and a "Washington insider." In contrast, Craig has sought to position herself as a pragmatic leader capable of achieving tangible outcomes, arguing that voters are disillusioned with political rhetoric that fails to translate into action. She stated, "I actually think people are most upset with Democrats because we use a lot of rhetoric that fires them up at a campaign rally, but we actually don’t accomplish anything." Craig emphasized her ability to "fight, but I also know how to get things done," suggesting this is why voters are frustrated with both major parties and why Donald Trump previously gained office.
Craig's campaign spokesperson, Antoine Givens, asserted that "Minnesotans have been clear that they want a battle-tested leader who can stand up to Trump and his allies in Washington." However, Republicans are actively employing similar tactics, seeking to tie Democratic challengers to the establishment. For instance, one ad highlighted a candidate's 32 years in Washington and previous electoral loss. In Alaska, a PAC supporting Senator Sullivan's reelection spent nearly $1 million on an ad reminding voters of Peltola's past electoral defeat and her voting record.
Despite these establishment-bashing narratives, Democratic groups are heavily investing in various candidates. The House Majority PAC has already spent over $200 million on behalf of House contenders, with the Senate counterpart, WinSenate PAC, contributing $150 million. A Democratic strategist involved in Senate races acknowledged the reliance on establishment backing, stating, "You can shit on the establishment all you want, but at the end of the day you are going to rely on them to actually win the election."