Democrats Hope Tim Walz Will Boost Battleground Congressional Races

Nine days prior to Vice President Kamala Harris selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, he received a supportive message from a colleague. Rep. Angie Craig texted, “I’ve never lost with you on top of the ballot,” playfully adding “LOL” as she recalled their past successes together.

Craig, who serves the competitive southern suburbs of Minneapolis, took an unusual step by publicly challenging President Biden to reconsider his candidacy after a disappointing debate performance. As a member of a party often characterized by staunch loyalty, her move was noteworthy.

Following Biden’s exit from the race, Craig quickly became a leading advocate for Walz’s selection as the vice presidential pick. In an interview, she highlighted his ability to connect with a wide array of voters across various issues.

“He can talk to anybody, anywhere, about anything,” Craig told CBS News, emphasizing Walz’s potential impact in critical swing states and districts.

Walz’s nomination has instilled a sense of optimism among Democrats concerning their chances in two battleground House races tied to his roots. Craig, facing a challenging bid for a fourth term in Minnesota’s 2nd District, is under pressure to maintain her seat.

Additionally, in Nebraska, where Walz was born, Democrats hope his involvement will enhance efforts to unseat Republican incumbent Don Bacon. Both contests are high-stakes, expensive, and pivotal in shaping the House’s balance of power as Republicans cling to a narrow majority ahead of the November elections.

Republicans contesting these districts have sharply criticized Walz, particularly questioning his record as governor while also trying to tie Democratic candidates to negative sentiments regarding him.

Craig noted that Walz has historically performed well in her district when he is on the ballot. “He campaigns aggressively. He shows up anywhere,” she remarked, pointing to instances where they campaigned together in various social settings.

Craig’s opponent, Republican Joe Teirab, is making inroads with voters who lean toward ticket-splitting, critiquing Walz on his handling of the protests that followed George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. “Tim Walz has failure on his record,” Teirab stated, suggesting voters will hold that against him in the upcoming election.

Teirab believes that issues surrounding law enforcement and public safety will heavily influence the battleground states. He articulated the struggle law enforcement agencies have faced following the unrest, claiming that recruitment and retention have suffered tremendously.

That said, Craig has secured endorsements from law enforcement groups, including the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, strengthening her position against Teirab’s attacks.

In Nebraska’s 2nd District, another crucial race has emerged with talk of Walz making an appearance due to the Democratic significance of the area. His recent campaign visit highlighted how Nebraska’s unique method of allocating presidential electors by congressional district could influence wider race dynamics.

Meanwhile, Bacon has accused Walz of shifting politically left since his gubernatorial win. “I think his support in this district will dissipate,” Bacon asserted, emphasizing the need for effective messaging against Walz’s candidacy.

Bacon voiced more concern about his electoral outlook if Harris had chosen Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro instead. “I think Shapiro was a much more threatening vice president than Walz,” he concluded.

Democratic challenger Tony Vargas for Bacon has expressed hope that Walz can bolster Democratic efforts, particularly among blue-collar voters. Vargas, a former schoolteacher like Walz, sees the governor’s presence as a powerful tool for appealing to the working class.

Both parties are claiming momentum in the key races for Minnesota and Nebraska House seats, with millions of dollars flooding into campaign financing.

Craig mentioned that the shift at the top of the ticket has positively affected Democratic candidates in various battleground districts, although she still anticipates her race as a “tough fight.”

With the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee highlighting fundraising successes among challengers in battleground districts, it remains a critical time for both parties.

Walz’s selection for the presidential ticket symbolizes the enthusiasm generated by Biden’s exit from the presidential race, potentially revitalizing the Democratic voter base. Prospective voters have shown more enthusiasm during campaign events, according to both Craig and Vargas.

Nevertheless, Republicans anticipate that Democrats’ initial enthusiasm may eventually fade. They have pointed out the need to focus on core issues like the economy and public safety, hoping that resonating messages about Harris and Walz’s past stances will mitigate Democratic enthusiasm moving forward.

Source: CBS News