House Democrats' campaign arm has increasingly relied on small, community-centered events to turn out voters of color, trying to drum up interest with apolitical hooks.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is organizing barbecues, boxing parties and meet-and-greets to woo less likely voters in knife-edge districts.
“From meet-and-greets and carne asada to ‘fight nights’ and meet-and-greets on the Capitol battlefield, our [Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)]Black and Latino Engagement District Directors are finding different ways to make meaningful connections with voters in their communities,” DCCC spokesperson Jose Muñoz said in a statement.
“These community events are part of AANHPI’s broader strategy to mobilize Black and Latino voters by meeting them on the ground and listening to what they care about most in their communities. ”
In Omaha, where state Rep. Tony Vargas (D) is running to unseat Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), the DCCC organized a Labor Day barbecue with 70 attendees. gathered. While that number may seem small, Nebraska's 2nd District race could be in jeopardy — Bacon defeated Vargas by fewer than 6,000 votes in 2022.
California's 13th Congressional District is also scheduled for a rematch in 2022 between U.S. Rep. John Duarte (R) and former state Rep. Adam Gray, which Duarte won by 564 votes.
DCCC hosted a party on September 15th to watch Mexican superstar boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defeat Edgar Berlanga in a 12-round fight. Before the fight, more than 50 participants heard from local Democrats about their party's vision for Central Valley issues such as water conservation and education.
In New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, Democrats are aiming to re-elect U.S. Rep. Gabe Vazquez (D) against former U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell (R), who lost her seat to Vazquez by 1,350 votes in 2022. He is playing defense in the rematch.
DCCC has hosted a series of carne asadas, including one in Hobbs, New Mexico, that drew 60 participants.
The group is also hosting an AANHPI rally in California's 45th District, where Democrat Derek Tran is seeking to unseat Rep. Michelle Steele (R-Calif.) and Susie Lee. This is a women's business event supporting Congresswoman (Democratic, Nevada). Virginia is hosting a Black Men's Forum and a Black Women's Leadership Mixer, where Democrats hope to keep Rep. Jennifer Quiggans (R-Va.) for a single term.
Other Democrats are making political events more palatable to disaffected or politically inexperienced voters.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is running for the state's open Senate seat.hosted a watch partyCanelo fight on Cinco de Mayo.
DCCC's efforts are part of AANPI, the organization's POWER The People program, an eight-figure outreach and voting campaign targeting Black and Latino voters.
