Democrats are increasingly worried about President Joe Biden’s declining support among young voters compared to the 2020 election. Recent polls show Biden polling below his previous margin with young voters, and in some cases, losing them to Donald Trump. This is a significant concern as young voters played a crucial role in Biden’s victory in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. To address this problem, Democrats are turning to down-ballot races for a solution, particularly through organizations like Run for Something.
Run for Something is an organization dedicated to recruiting and supporting candidates running for local offices. By focusing on winning smaller races first, Democrats have seen significant successes, with candidates they helped elect to local positions later winning at the state and even federal levels. Investing in down-ballot races not only builds the Democratic bench but also has a positive impact on voter turnout in larger elections. This strategy, known as “reverse coattails,” helps increase Democratic vote-share for the entire ticket, as seen in states like Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, and Florida.
The idea of reverse coattails becomes particularly crucial when considering races beyond the presidency, such as Senate and gubernatorial contests. Candidates like Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana play essential roles in deciding control of the Senate but may not receive significant resources from the Biden campaign. In such cases, having Democratic candidates at the local level engaging with voters can be decisive in increasing turnout and securing victory. This strategy has been reinforced by recent research showing that young Democrats are more likely to vote in elections where there are young, progressive candidates running for local or state offices alongside Biden.
The emphasis on recruiting and supporting young candidates for local office is essential not just for the future of the Democratic Party but also for the future of democracy. Young voters are a key demographic that Democrats cannot afford to lose, and the best way to engage them is by providing candidates and policies they believe in. By investing in down-ballot races, Democrats are not just securing long-term success but also making an urgent and necessary investment in the present political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, the focus on local candidates and the concept of reverse coattails could be the key to winning crucial races and ensuring a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Amanda Litman, the co-founder and co-executive director of Run for Something, emphasizes the importance of challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground. By supporting diverse, young, first-time candidates running for state and local office, organizations like Run for Something are reshaping the political landscape and creating pathways for new voices to be heard. In a political climate where young voters are increasingly influential, investing in down-ballot races and promoting progressive candidates could be the key to Democratic success in upcoming elections.
