Wisconsin's presidential primary on Tuesday has set the stage for a general election campaign that Democrats view as a significant opportunity in the state's recent history. The adoption of new legislative districts last month has leveled the playing field by eliminating Republican advantages that previously gave the GOP control of the Wisconsin Assembly despite Democrats winning the majority of statewide elections. Democrats are now optimistic about their chances to compete for a majority in the Assembly and believe that energized legislative campaigns can also boost voter turnout for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
The state Democratic Party chairman has coined the term “reverse coattails” to describe the strategy of using down-ballot candidates to drive up turnout among unlikely voters, potentially influencing the number of votes for Biden-Harris. Both parties anticipate a closely contested rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump in several battleground states, including Wisconsin, which narrowly flipped from Trump to Biden in the previous election.
While the Assembly speaker, a Republican, dismisses the notion of reverse coattails, Democrats are focusing on targeting neighborhoods in small towns, suburbs, and rural areas that were previously part of heavily Republican districts but are now in more competitive ones. This shift is expected to lead to increased campaign efforts and voter engagement in these areas.
Wisconsin is among the battleground states where Democrats are defending Senate seats to protect their slim majority. Senator Tammy Baldwin, seeking a third term, acknowledges the potential benefits of legislative races influencing voter turnout. The redrawing of districts has created more competitive races and given voice to previously marginalized voters.
The upcoming election is poised to be highly competitive, with Democrats eyeing several new districts where they have a better chance of success. The focus on canvassing and organizing at the grassroots level is expected to have a significant impact on voter participation and potentially sway the outcome of key races.
Despite differing views on the impact of legislative races on voter turnout, both parties are gearing up for an intense campaign season in Wisconsin. With the stakes high in multiple races, the state is set to witness a flurry of political activity in the coming months, culminating in what promises to be a closely fought general election in November.
