Why some Democrats running in red states are pushing away Biden, Harris

As the midterm elections approach, some Democrats running in conservative areas are distancing themselves from former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In Iowa, Senate nominee Josh Turek and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand have both rejected the idea of prominent Democrats campaigning for them. Turek and Sand emphasized the need to appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters, stating that the Democratic Party's recent brand and ticket are liabilities.

Meanwhile, Alaska Senate nominee Mary Peltola recently distanced herself from Harris after her political action committee backed her fundraising efforts. Democratic strategists suggest that the recent rejections are part of a broader trend as Democrats seek to break away from the status quo. Some Democrats, like Dan Koh, have actively sought endorsements from Biden and Harris, arguing that backing these figures can help win over voters.

However, the trend of distancing oneself from Biden and Harris appears to be gaining momentum among red state Democrats, with potential 2028 presidential contenders potentially following suit.