
Democrats are facing an uphill battle with the November 5 election fast approaching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The fight for control of Congress, coupled with the White House race, has raised anxiety levels among Democratic lawmakers as they brace for what many expect to be a “nail-biter” finish.
At a glance:
- Democrats are concerned about the possibility of a GOP-controlled government if Donald Trump wins the presidency.
- House Democrats acknowledge a series of tight races, with internal polls showing signs of slipping support.
- Kamala Harris’s campaign has faced criticism, leading to doubts about her ability to energize the Democratic base.
Two months ago, Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate was met with celebration at a national convention in Chicago. But the optimism from that moment has faded, with recent polls suggesting a far closer race. Vice President Harris must not only secure the popular vote but also lock in crucial battleground states to win the electoral college, as polls show her neck-and-neck with Donald Trump. These states include Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where Trump has gained ground among key demographics such as Black and Latino voters.
Internal polling from House Democrats reflects a similar trend. New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster expressed concerns, saying that “we have easily a dozen races that are virtual ties.” Rep. Dan Kildee also emphasized the uncertainty, admitting, “It’s close. Top of the ticket is close, statewide ballot … it’s neck and neck.” Anxiety is running high, with Kuster describing her mood as “nauseously optimistic” due to the sheer number of tight races.
While Democrats are cautiously optimistic about retaking the House majority, there is acknowledgment that optimism alone won’t be enough. According to an anonymous House Democrat, “Everybody wishes that this was a runaway wave election, but that is just not what we have. This is going to be terribly close.” House Democrats in battleground districts believe they are outperforming Harris’s campaign, citing strong fundraising numbers and what they see as grassroots enthusiasm.
However, doubts about Harris’s ability to attract voters beyond the Democratic base persist. Her campaign’s messaging has shifted from a tone of joy to one of caution, with her recent speeches targeting Trump’s “dangerous” potential second term. Criticism from within her own party continues, with one Democrat stating, “Everyone feels like they are outperforming” Harris. These doubts have pushed some donors to funnel their contributions directly to congressional campaigns instead of the presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party faces unique challenges in Michigan, which has the highest concentration of Arab-American voters in the U.S. Some lifelong Democrats, disillusioned by the Biden administration’s stance on the Middle East, are moving towards Trump. In Dearborn, Michigan, Samraa Luqman, a self-described progressive, declared, “I do not forgive the Democrats for it, and I will not be scared into voting for them,” citing the administration’s handling of the conflict in Gaza.
In Pennsylvania, the state with the largest number of electoral votes, voters remain focused on the economy. Many remember lower prices under Trump’s first term and are skeptical of the Democratic Party’s economic track record. Gene Wool, an undecided voter, said he struggled with the decision, noting, “Most of my friends are probably going to vote for Trump.”
With the clock ticking down to Election Day, Democrats are scrambling to energize their base while reaching out to undecided and swing voters. Events aimed at suburban women, particularly in Pennsylvania, are a critical part of Harris’s strategy. Some moderate Republicans, like former congresswoman Liz Cheney, have even joined Harris on the campaign trail to sway voters away from Trump. But Democrats know that the race is far from decided. As one House Democrat admitted, “Nobody … thinks it’s going to be a runaway either way.”
This election has become a high-stakes battle, and Democrats are preparing for a long, tense night as they wait to see if they can keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office or, at the very least, block him from having a GOP-dominated Congress.