Party Fracture: Democratic Senators in Key Races Skip the DNC
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Key Takeaways
- Cracks in the Democratic Party are beginning to show as Senators in important down-ballot races opt-out of the DNC.
- Many speculate Democrats like Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and others skipped the DNC to distance themselves from Kamala Harris, who is unpopular in their states.
- There are also larger questions looming about Democratic unity behind a divisive and radical presidential ticket that was nominated without any primary votes.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
10,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
4 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
The absence of several prominent Democrats from the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago is raising questions about the Party's unity. Many attribute absences to political strategy for Democrats in key down-ballot races. However, it also underscores the growing division in a typically unified Party.
A few prominent Democratic Senators are skipping the DNC including:
- Sherrod Brown
- Jon Tester
- Jacky Rosen
- Martin Heinrich
- John Fetterman
Voters are discussing the implications for upcoming elections—particularly in swing states where incumbents face tough re-election battles. Though Fetterman is not up for reelection, many point out his recurring clashes with the left over the border and Israel.
Other Democratic representatives not in attendance include Yadira Caraveo, Val Hoyle, Jared Golden, Mary Sattler Peltola, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
Tough Races in Swing States
Democratic Senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada are all engaged in challenging re-election campaigns in states that have trended Republican in recent years. Many assume their decisions to forego the DNC, where Vice President Kamala Harris is being coronated to the nomination, is strategic.
Voters conclude these Democrats in important races hope to distance themselves from the national Party’s increasingly progressive platform. However, most of these candidates have endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket—with the exception of Tester in Montana.
MIG Reports data shows currently:
- Republican Bernie Moreno is leading Sherrod Brown in Ohio 52% to 48%.
- Republican Tim Sheehy is leading John Tester in Montana 52% to 48%.
- Jacky Rosen is leading Republican Sam Brown in Nevada 52% to 48%
- Martin Heinrich is leading Republican Nella Domenici in New Mexico 54% to 46%.
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Voters in swing states like Ohio and Nevada likely view their Senators’ absence as an attempt to appeal to a broader electorate. Those wary of Harris’s progressive stances may be won over by the implicit rejection of Senators staying home. However, Democrats also face the difficulty of energizing the progressive base without alienating moderate or conservative voters who could determine the outcome of their races.
For candidates like Sherrod Brown, whose reputation is advocating for working-class issues, voters express disappointment. They say his absence is a missed opportunity to reinforce party solidarity. Similarly, Jon Tester and Jacky Rosen receive scrutiny from Democrats who suggest their participation is crucial in demonstrating alignment with leadership and the Democratic platform. This is a point of emphasis for those concerned about the challenging landscape Democrats face in retaining Senate control in various states.
John Fetterman, though not up for reelection, faces questions about his visibility at national events. Supporters worry his absence at the convention may signal a break with power centers in the Party, jeopardizing his standing among Democrats.
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Division and Disarray Among Democrats
This strategic optics game is also indicative of deeper divisions within the party—particularly between traditional Democrats, progressives, and leftists. As more of her economic policies and historical positions surface, voters perceive Harris as deeply sympathetic toward the radical left. This perception is beginning to alienate Independent voters and some Democrats.
Despite leadership attempts to show unity within the Party, voters are keenly aware of growing fractures between far-left progressives and traditional Democrats—particularly when it comes to Israel. Sentiment is growing that the Party's shift towards progressive policies is pushing the country away from core values like meritocracy and free market capitalism. This division will likely have significant implications for Democratic success in critical down-ballot races, and potentially in the presidential race.
Voters are increasingly discussing Harris as supporting open borders and pushing communist economic policies. These two issues are the most important to voters, exacerbating the danger for Democrats in the election.
Voter Sentiment and Potential Backlash
Approximately 65% of discussions around the DNC hint at a potential backlash against the Democratic Party if it continues leftward. This suggests senators in critical races may be justified in attempting to distance themselves from national leadership. Voters, especially in swing states, express doubts about the effectiveness of the DNC and the broader Party strategy.
There is a prevailing sentiment that absence signals a lack of confidence in Harris's leadership. But critics say by not participating in the DNC, candidates may be missing an opportunity to demonstrate unity and solidarity. They say it could potentially weaken their campaigns or the national ticket among those who prioritize party cohesion. Some say it’s especially important when the spotlight is focused on Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
The Impact of Harris's Leadership
Kamala Harris’s leadership and policy positions, especially on issues like the economy and immigration, are central concerns. Her proposals, which critics label as overly radical, likely will not resonate with moderate voters Senate candidates need to win. This sentiment suggests while some voters support Democratic ideals, they remain wary about the current direction of the Party.
Moderates accuse the DNC and its headliner candidates, particularly Harris, of radicalism and communism. They characterize Harris’s proposals as signs of a sharp leftward shift that aims to diminish traditional Democratic values. This exemplifies the tension, where voters in state races likely wish for a return to more centrist American values.
Symbols and rhetoric also play crucial roles in this discourse. Some X users highlight visuals and language around the DNC to showcase discontent. They emphasize various optics which they say capture a larger anti-Harris sentiment even among some DNC attendees like Chris Cuomo.
Dang… the left lost Cuomo 🤣😂😂
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) August 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/5gRPlhM1NI
Most embarrassing moments at the DNC so far
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) August 21, 2024
These are unbelievable
🧵 A THREAD
12. Guy caught in 4K yelling "NOOOO" to choosing Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/fEVvCH7kob
Discussions also point to Kamala Harris’s nomination as people question its legitimacy due to the absence of primary votes. This narrative surfaces consistently, with voters expressing frustrations about the perceived "coronation" of Harris at the DNC—a decision they believe overrides the democratic process.
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