Prominent Republicans Back Democratic Candidates in Key Midterm Races Across Six States
Prominent Republicans are endorsing Democrats in competitive races in several traditionally red states, adding a new dynamic to the upcoming midterms.
A wave of high-profile Republicans has crossed party lines to endorse Democratic candidates in pivotal contests across Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Texas ahead of the midterm elections. Endorsers include former governor Ken Buck backing Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, ex-governors Mike Hayden and Bill Graves supporting Senate challenger Adam Hamilton in Kansas, former RNC chair Marc Racicot backing Democrat Sam Forstag in Montana’s 1st district, and retired General Don Bolduc endorsing Democrat Chris Pappas in New Hampshire.
In South Carolina, ex-governor David Beasley joined former Democratic governor Jim Hodges to support Annie Andrews, while in Texas more than twenty Republicans, among them former congressmen Steve Bartlett and Adam Kinzinger, have rallied behind Senate hopeful James Talarico against Ken Paxton. These endorsements reflect growing dissatisfaction with the party’s current trajectory and could tip closely contested races that determine control of the House, Senate and numerous governorships.
Why it matters
Republican defections may sway tight midterm races and influence national political balance.
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