Democrats Are Overperforming Everywhere
Democrats have won or overperformed the top of the 2024 ticket in 43 out of 44 key elections so far this year.
Happy Wednesday, Democrats!
In August, Democrat Catelin Drey clinched a huge victory in the Iowa Senate District 1 race, breaking the Republican supermajority in the Iowa state Senate. Drey’s win — in a traditionally red district that went for Donald Trump by 11 points in 2024 — marks the third major Democratic overperformance in Iowa in districts that Trump won by at least 10%.
These results underscore a growing trend we’ve been seeing all year: No matter if they’re in blue, red, or purple communities, voters are pushing back against Republicans’ agenda by supporting Democrats.
Let’s be clear: This is not exclusive to Iowa. Across the country, voters — even those in the rubiest of red districts — are delivering a loud and clear rebuke of Trump and Republicans, who betrayed working families with their budget that lines the pockets of billionaires by ripping away Americans’ health care. Voters are putting their faith in strong Democratic leaders who will tackle Republicans’ extreme agenda head-on, fight for working families, and drive our nation forward. That’s why Democrats have won or overperformed the top of the 2024 ticket in 43 out of 44 key elections so far this year.
Take a look at the contrast: While Republicans face jeers and boos among plummeting approval ratings, Democrats are beating the odds, overperforming nationwide, and winning special elections back-to-back. With each victory and overperformance, Democrats’ momentum grows stronger, allowing us to build back our power and answer voters’ demand for change. Democrats will continue to organize and mobilize at the grassroots level to connect with voters, build lasting coalitions, and secure electoral victories until there are strong Democratic leaders in every community.
Below is a list of some of Democrats’ major overperformances from this year:
Connecticut
In Connecticut’s House District 40 special election, Democrat Dan Gaiewski overperformed the top of the November ticket by 16 points.
Delaware
In Delaware’s Senate District 1 special election, Democrat Dan Cruce overperformed the top of the November ticket by 10 points.
Florida
In Florida’s 1st Congressional District, Democrat Gay Valimont overperformed by 23 points in a Trump +37 district, marking Democrats’ best performance in the district this century and flipping Pensacola for the first time in decades.
In Florida’s 6th Congressional District, Democrat Josh Weil secured a massive 16-point overperformance in a Trump +30 district.
Iowa
In Iowa’s Senate District 35 special election, Democrat Mike Zimmer flipped a district Trump won by 21 points, overperforming the top of the November ticket by 25 points.
In Iowa’s House District 100 special election, Democrat Nannette Griffin overperformed the top of the November ticket by 24 points.
Maine
In Maine’s House District 24 special election, Democrat Sean Faircloth overperformed the top of the November ticket by 18 points.
Minnesota
In Minnesota’s Senate District 60 special election, Democratic–Farmer–Labor candidate Doron Clark won the election by a margin of 91-9, overperforming the top of the November ticket by 14 points.
Nebraska
John Ewing Jr. clinched a victory in the Omaha Mayoral race, unseating the longest-serving Republican-aligned incumbent mayor in the country by an overwhelming majority.
Pennsylvania
Dan Goughnour secured the Pennsylvania House majority for Democrats, winning in House District 35 by nearly 30 points, a 13-point overperformance.
Democrat James Malone claimed an upset victory in R+23 state Senate District 36 in Lancaster County — a district that hasn’t had a Democrat representing it since 1979, and a Democratic president hadn’t won Lancaster County since Lyndon B. Johnson won it in 1964.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island’s 4th Senate District, Democrat Stefano Famiglietti won a landslide victory, winning over 80 percent of the vote — a 56-point overperformance.
South Carolina
In South Carolina’s 50th House District, Democrat Keishan Scott cruised to victory, overperforming the top of the November ticket by 36 points and winning over 70 percent of the vote.
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford beat Elon Musk-backed Brad Schimel by double digits in a bellwether race that showed Wisconsin voters squarely rejecting the influence of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and billionaire special interests.
Virginia
In Virginia’s 32nd state Senate District, Democrat Kannan Srinivasan overperformed the top of the November ticket and won his election by a 62-38 margin.
In Virginia’s 26th state House District, Democrat JJ Singh overperformed the top of the November ticket and won his election by a 62-38 margin.
This summer, the DNC reached over 1.6 million voters through our Organizing Summer efforts. Chair Ken Martin has made it clear: We’re taking the DNC out of D.C., because when we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere. These overperformances are just the beginning. Thank you to everyone who sent a text, knocked on doors, and mobilized your community. You’re powering this movement!
Here Are Three Ways To Support the Democratic Party This Week:
Stay Informed and Engaged: Follow @TheDemocrats, @FactPost, and @TrumpEpsteinBot on social media to stay up to date on what the DNC is doing to elect more Democrats and hold Trump accountable.
Start a Sustaining Gift to the DNC: Consider starting a monthly gift — just $3 can make a big difference. Your contribution helps the DNC support state parties and elect Democrats at every level nationwide.
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The Sprint to November’s Elections Starts Now
More than 15,000 volunteers joined the DNC’s first-ever Organizing Summer to hold Republicans accountable and mobilize in key redistricting fights. Now, with October only a few weeks away, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Early voting kicks off THIS FRIDAY in Virginia, and we’re also facing critical statewide elections in New Jersey, plus redistricting battles from coast to coast.
Now’s the time to check your voter registration. Make sure your information is up to date and you know where to cast your vote by clicking the button below to visit iwillvote.com. Every vote matters, and being prepared is the first step to making yours count.
Also, Jenny from the Organizing Team is sharing weekly organizing opportunities right here on Substack through their newsletter, Ground Game, every Friday. Don’t miss out on ways to get involved and make an impact. Be sure to subscribe to The Blue Print so you never miss an update!
Tim Walz on Trump, Minnesota, and the 2024 Campaign
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined DNC Chair Ken Martin after the Minnesota State Fair to talk about his reflections on the 2024 campaign, healing divisions in the country, and holding Republicans accountable for failing to make life better for families nationwide. It’s a dynamic conversation filled with information you don’t want to miss! You can watch it here or on our YouTube channel.
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Best,
Maya
Although Gay Valimont overperformed in the special election for FL 1st District, sadly she didn't flip the seat. It's now held by Republican Jimmy Petronis.