With the 2024 elections fast approaching, state-level Democrats are scrambling to close a critical fundraising gap. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), the party’s main group dedicated to winning state legislative seats, has raised an impressive $45 million so far. However, this record-breaking figure still falls short of the $60 million target necessary to compete effectively in key battleground states.
The urgency comes from the fact that state legislative races, often overlooked compared to federal elections, play a pivotal role in shaping policies on issues like abortion rights, healthcare, and voting laws. Democrats fear that without additional funding, they could lose crucial legislative majorities in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, where control is on the line. Other competitive states where Republicans dominate, such as Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, also remain out of reach unless more resources are secured.
Corrupt DHS MAYORKAS has billions left in FEMA accounts but “needs more funding” so he can give it to illegals. IF YOU VOTE DEMOCRAT, YOU ARE COMPROMISED OR STUPID!
Sara Carter: A message from the Sheriff Wright and Sheriff Ellenburg in Chimney Rock, North Carolina regarding… pic.twitter.com/nLyFZErhpj
— TRUTH NOW ⭐️⭐️⭐️🗽 (@sxdoc) October 8, 2024
The DLCC is particularly concerned about the phenomenon known as "ballot roll-off," in which voters cast ballots for top-ticket races—such as the presidency or U.S. Senate—while skipping down-ballot races like state legislatures. Historically, Republican voters are more likely to complete the entire ballot, giving them an edge in these lower-profile contests. Democrats, however, have struggled to inspire the same level of participation.
Despite their record-breaking fundraising, Democrats face an uphill battle against a well-funded Republican machine. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) has committed $50 million to support GOP candidates in state races, continuing its long-standing dominance in these contests. While Democrats have made gains in recent cycles, the RSLC’s deep pockets pose a formidable challenge.
THIS IS HISTORIC and something Trump isn’t doing.
In a major boost for Democrats running for the House, Senate, and state legislatures, Kamala Harris and the DNC will transfer nearly $25 million to boost down-ballot candidates' chances.
Harris knows she’s going to need the… pic.twitter.com/tuFcWRXTcn
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) September 3, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris has played a role in helping to invigorate Democratic efforts at the state level. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently funneled $2.5 million into the DLCC, boosting their coffers as Election Day draws near. Despite these efforts, DLCC President Jessica Post has warned that Democrats still face significant risks unless more donors step up. The committee estimates that an additional $20 million is needed for television ads, $4 million for mail campaigns, $2 million for digital and text outreach, and another $200,000 for canvassing.
Compounding the challenge, Democratic state legislative candidates face competition not only from Republican candidates but also from higher-profile Democratic campaigns for Congress, Senate, and governor’s offices, which often siphon off attention and funding. With presidential candidates and major congressional races dominating the airwaves, state-level races can be drowned out, further complicating Democrats' efforts to raise awareness and secure votes.
The stakes for state legislatures are high, as they control redistricting and are increasingly the battleground for national issues like reproductive rights. Republicans have historically leveraged their control of state legislatures to redraw electoral maps in their favor, a trend that could continue unless Democrats can make inroads in upcoming elections.
Despite these challenges, the DLCC remains optimistic that their fundraising and voter outreach efforts can turn the tide. With millions raised from grassroots donations and a surge in digital engagement, the group hopes to replicate some of the success it saw in 2022, when Democrats made gains in state legislatures across the country.
The democrats are not short money so much as they are short on talent and have no good ideas other than their same old tired issues like women’s reproductive rights,transgender rights and gun control! Their party is stunted over these divisive and objectionable issues while Trump and the republicans are touting ideas like social security checks for seniors not being taxed any more,making car loans a deduction on your income tax,getting the cost of gasoline down to where people can afford to drive to work,getting our of the being the worlds policeman and many other great ideas! The democrats are stuck on slow,costly and boring and their polling numbers reflect that!