When we think about elections, the spotlight usually falls on the presidential race or the big Senate battles, but much more is happening beneath the surface. Down-ballot races—those local and state elections that don’t always make the headlines—are crucial for shaping the future of our democracy. They might not have the glitz and glamor of a presidential campaign, but trust me, their impact is just as significant.

Down-ballot races matter because the stakes are higher than you think.

In 2009, President Obama said, “Elections have consequences, and at the end of the day, I won.” That’s a stark reminder of how every election—down-ballot included—can shape our nation’s future.

So, what exactly are down-ballot races? These are the contests for seats in the Senate, the House of Representatives, state legislatures, and local offices. Senators run every six years, while House members are up for election every two years, making these races frequent and essential. These elections might not draw the same national attention, but they play a vital role in governance. The real power comes from aligning the executive and legislative branches. Winning these races can mean the difference between passing legislation that aligns with our values and watching critical policies get blocked. This alignment—or lack thereof—has defined the effectiveness of past administrations.

Think back to when the branches weren’t aligned—like during the Obama administration from 2010 to 2016, when Republicans controlled the House and later the Senate. This split made it incredibly challenging to pass progressive legislation, with key initiatives like comprehensive immigration reform and climate change legislation stalled or blocked entirely. And let’s not forget Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court nomination, which was blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate in 2016.

Contrast that with Trump’s presidency, where a Republican majority in the Senate led to the confirmation of three Supreme Court justices, fundamentally shifting the balance of the Court. These examples show how crucial it is to have alignment between the branches to implement a party’s full agenda.

Why grassroots fundraising is critical for down-ballot success

The Democratic Party understands the importance of down-ballot races and invests heavily in supporting these candidates. This is why fundraising seems relentless. Grassroots fundraising is more than just collecting money—it’s a way to demonstrate broad, grassroots support for candidates.

When thousands of Americans chip in $5, $10, or $20, these candidates have legitimate backing from the people, not just wealthy donors. This support fuels the campaigns of countless local and state candidates, ensuring that diverse voices are represented across all levels of government and building a solid pipeline for future leadership.

In past elections, we’ve seen how strategic investments in key districts have led to significant wins.

The 2018 midterms, known for the “Blue Wave,” saw Democrats flip 41 seats in the House, many of which were down-ballot races funded and supported by the party. Rising stars like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York’s 14th District and Katie Porter in California’s 45th District emerged from this wave, showing the impact of thoughtful down-ballot strategies.

Democrats are making swing states, including Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, a top priority this year. These states are battlegrounds that will likely determine Senate control, and Democrats are pouring resources into these critical races.

The stakes are high in several key Senate races.

In Arizona, Ruben Gallego (D), a powerful progressive voice, is running for the Senate in a three-way race against Republican Kari Lake (R) and incumbent Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I), who is running as an Independent. This highly competitive race is one of the most closely watched in the country, with major implications for the balance of power in the Senate. Gallego’s progressive platform contrasts sharply with Lake’s Trump-aligned conservatism and Sinema’s centrist approach, making this a pivotal contest in Arizona’s increasingly swing-state landscape.

In Florida, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) challenges incumbent Senator Rick Scott (R) in a high-stakes race. Mucarsel-Powell, a former U.S. Representative known for her work on healthcare and gun control, aims to unseat Scott, a staunch Trump ally and former Florida governor. Florida’s swing state status and Scott’s controversial tenure make this one of the most closely watched Senate races in the 2024 election cycle.

In Missouri, Lucas Kunce (D), a Marine veteran and advocate for working-class Americans, challenges incumbent Senator Josh Hawley (R) in the 2024 Senate race. Kunce is running a populist campaign focused on economic fairness, taking on corporate influence, and fighting for the everyday Missourian. Hawley, a staunch Trump ally, is seeking re-election in a state that has trended Republican. Still, Kunce’s grassroots support and message of change are positioning him as a formidable contender in this closely watched race.

In Montana, incumbent Jon Tester (D) is defending his Senate seat against Matt Rosendale (R), a staunch Trump ally and current U.S. Representative. Tester, a third-generation farmer, is known for his pragmatic approach and focus on veterans’ issues and agriculture. Despite Montana’s conservative lean, Tester’s deep roots and strong connection with voters give him a fighting chance, though this race is expected to be one of the toughest in the 2024 cycle.

In Nevada, incumbent Jacky Rosen (D) is defending her Senate seat against Jim Marchant (R), a Trump-aligned candidate. Rosen, known for her work on healthcare and veterans’ issues, is facing a tight race in a state with a history of close elections. Nevada’s swing status makes this contest particularly competitive, with Rosen’s incumbency providing a slight edge but not enough to feel entirely secure in a state where every vote counts.

In Ohio, incumbent Sherrod Brown (D) is seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate and is facing a challenge from Frank LaRose (R), Ohio’s Secretary of State and a rising star in the GOP. Brown, a fierce advocate for workers’ rights and economic justice, has managed to hold onto his seat through his populist message that resonates with Ohio’s working-class voters. However, the state’s rightward shift makes this a critical and closely watched race.

In Pennsylvania, incumbent Bob Casey Jr. (D) is defending his Senate seat against Dave McCormick (R), a former hedge fund manager with substantial resources. Casey, a well-known figure with deep ties to the state and a strong record on healthcare and labor issues, faces a tough challenge in what is expected to be a highly competitive race. Pennsylvania’s swing state status adds further significance to this closely watched contest.

In Texas, Colin Allred (D) is running for Ted Cruz’s (R) Senate seat. Allred, a former NFL linebacker turned civil rights attorney, strongly advocates for healthcare access, veterans’ affairs, and economic equality. Cruz, a well-known conservative figure, makes this a highly competitive race in a state that is Republican-leaning but that seems ready to change.

In Virginia, incumbent Tim Kaine (D) is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate against Winsome Sears (R), Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor and a strong conservative voice. Known for his experience in foreign relations and advocacy for education and healthcare reform, Kaine remains a respected figure in Virginia politics. Although Virginia has trended more Democratic in recent elections, Kaine is still preparing for a competitive race, given the state’s history of close contests.

In Wisconsin, incumbent Tammy Baldwin (D) is defending her Senate seat against Eric Hovde (R), a wealthy businessman endorsed by Donald Trump. Baldwin, known for her advocacy on healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights, faces a tough race in a state that remains a key battleground. With Trump’s endorsement giving Hovde backing from the Republican base, this race is expected to be fiercely contested and closely watched.

Critical House races that could tip the balance.

While not all of the following districts are in swing states, they represent key battlegrounds that could tip the balance of power in the House:

In Alabama’s 2nd District, a newly drawn district that emerged from a federal lawsuit over congressional maps, Shomari Figures (D) will face Caroleene Dobson (R) in the general election. This district is near-majority Black and was created to increase Black representation. Although it leans Democratic, Republicans believe they can compete with the right messaging. This is my guy, folks! Let’s get him elected!

In California’s 22nd District, covering parts of the Central Valley, Rudy Salas (D) is challenging incumbent David Valadao (R). Valadao has a history of surviving tough races, but this one’s a true toss-up.

In Texas’s 15th District, which encompasses parts of South Texas, Michelle Vallejo (D)’s progressive campaign is challenging incumbent Monica De La Cruz (R) in a district that has been leaning more Republican lately.

In Florida’s 13th District, which includes parts of the Tampa Bay area, Anna Paulina Luna (R)’s alignment with Trump makes her a strong incumbent, but Eric Lynn (D)’s moderate stance could sway swing voters.

In New York’s 19th District, covering the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, Pat Ryan (D) is defending his seat against Marc Molinaro (R) in a key race that could tip the balance.

In Pennsylvania’s 7th District, which includes the Lehigh Valley, Susan Wild (D) is facing off again against Lisa Scheller (R) in what’s sure to be another closely watched contest.

Mobilize yourself, your friends, and your neighbors to win down-ballot races.

Let’s discuss the power of grassroots mobilization—yes, it’s a mouthful, but what we’re really talking about is getting your community engaged and activated. Volunteering for voter outreach, phone banking, or canvassing can significantly impact, especially in less visible races. Every conversation, every flyer, and every door knock counts.

And here’s something exciting: you can join DLCC’s Down Ballot Defenders, a coalition of monthly donors dedicated to expanding and defending Democratic majorities and loosening the GOP’s grip on our statehouses. This program offers a sustained, monthly commitment to our cause, and membership comes with premium perks and exclusive content available only to Down Ballot Defenders.

Put your passion into action.

Live your support. This is about using your voice, passion, enthusiasm, and point of view to change hearts and minds. Whether it’s a sign on the lawn, a shirt you wear around town, or talking to people in line at the grocery store, every little bit helps. Social media is still a powerful tool, so it can be used to spread awareness about down-ballot races. Remember, it’s your everyday actions that make a difference.

Find your down-ballot candidates and make a difference.

Now, it’s time to get motivated. Down-ballot races are essential for achieving broader party goals, and their importance cannot be overstated. By getting involved and supporting these candidates, you can help shape the future of our country. Whether volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your contributions can make a difference. Let’s ensure that our voices are heard, not just at the top of the ticket but all the way down the ballot.

Links to the news items I discussed on the podcast:

• Durov arrest tweets from Yaroslav Azhunyuk and How Telegram Became the Anti-Facebook.
• It’s working, volunteers and donors are coming out of the woodwork! That said, in the words of Bradley Whitford, “All gas, no brakes!”
• From Twitter, Propane Jane explains how important it is to mobilize voters!