Democrats adopt centrist messaging to appeal to voters in red states

Facing a congressional map that forces them into districts won by President Donald Trump, Democratic Senate contenders are adopting a centrist campaign strategy. Roy Cooper in North Carolina touts his record of bipartisan law-making and opposition to defunding the police, while Mary Peltola in Alaska promotes a "fish, family, freedom" platform that includes support for the Willow oil project and gun rights. Iowa’s Josh Turek points to his history of voting with Republicans and pledges to work with Trump on immigration reform, and Kansas nominee Adam Hamilton describes himself as a middle-ground candidate critical of both far-left policies and Republican tax cuts. Republican rivals label these candidates as disguising liberal positions, but the Democrats argue that appealing to skeptical voters is essential for winning Senate seats.