Democrats seek to empower independent candidates in deep-red states to improve Senate map odds.
Democrats are adopting a new strategy to expand the Senate map by encouraging their own doomed nominees to drop out of deep-red states. By removing their names from the ballot, Democrats aim to empower independent candidates to face Republicans one-on-one. This tactic is being used in Nebraska, Idaho, and Montana, with the goal of spooking Republicans into shifting funds away from safe seats. In Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes announced he is dropping out of the Democratic race for governor less than two weeks before the primary. His exit clears the path for front-runner Francesca Hong, though it may also benefit Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who re-entered the race after the endorsement of outgoing Governor Tony Evers. While Hong is a democratic socialist, Crowley is seen as a more moderate option for voters who fear she may be too far left to win the general election against the likely Republican nominee, Tom Tiffany.