Democrats in competitive states move away from Harris.
Two Senate Democrats facing tough re-election battles in states won by former President Trump are hesitating to commit to campaigning with presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Harris. Harris has emerged as the likely 2024 nominee after President Biden withdrew from the race in July, but some Democrats in predominantly red states are keeping their distance.
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, running in a critical Senate race for Democrats in 2024, declined to confirm if he would campaign with Harris. “I’ve got my own schedule,” Brown told CNN. “She’s got her own schedule. I will focus on my race. My strategy is perhaps different from hers.”
Brown emphasized his focus on fighting for Ohio workers rather than engaging in presidential campaign activities. He hinted that he might skip the upcoming Democratic National Convention where Harris is expected to be officially nominated as the party’s candidate.
Senator Jon Tester of Montana, who played a key role in recruiting Harris to the Senate in 2015, is also prioritizing his re-election campaign. “We’re working on my race right now – focused totally on that. Believe it or not, I am, and we’re going to win,” Tester stated. He has yet to endorse Harris for the Democratic nomination and has expressed support for an open nomination process to select a new nominee.
Both Brown and Tester are keeping their focus on their respective Senate races, emphasizing the importance of individual campaigns. Tester highlighted the significance of a defense bill he is working on, indicating that his attention is currently dedicated to legislative priorities.
As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, the reluctance of some Senate Democrats in red states to align closely with Vice President Harris showcases the diverse approaches within the Democratic Party. While Harris may be the presumptive nominee, individual candidates are navigating their own unique paths to victory, prioritizing the needs and concerns of their constituents.