Candidates in swing states lean on bipartisan endorsements to woo independents
In Georgia, Florida, Iowa and Arizona, 2026 candidates are highlighting endorsements from opposite-party officials to attract undecided voters.
Across several battleground states, 2026 candidates are foregrounding cross-party endorsements to broaden their appeal. In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff points to Republican mayors, including Tifton’s Julie Smith, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson highlights Democratic sheriffs who praise his public-safety stance. Florida’s Republican governor hopeful Byron Donalds promotes an endorsement from Democratic Sheriff Morris Young, and Democrat Rob Sand in Iowa has labeled supportive Republicans as “Rob-Publicans.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs selected former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles as her lieutenant-governor candidate. Political scientists and researchers, such as Trey Hood and Richard Barton, argue the moves aim to win over independent voters who can swing close races in these purple states.
Why it matters
Bipartisan endorsements could tip tight elections in key swing states by attracting independent voters.
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