In the wake of the 2020 election and the subsequent events surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) has positioned itself as a crucial force in advocating for Democratic control of state legislatures. Highlighting the importance of these state-level powers, DLCC Vice President Will Rusche emphasized that simply defeating former President Donald Trump is insufficient for the protection of democracy in future elections. Instead, he argued that Democratic majorities in battleground states are essential to shaping voting laws and preventing further attempts at insurrection from figures aligned with Trump. This contention reflects a growing understanding among national Democrats that the impact of state legislatures on electoral integrity and democratic processes must not be underestimated.
The memo released by DLCC President Heather Williams provides a detailed examination of the involvement of Republican state legislators in activities surrounding the 2020 election, including their connection to the insurrectionist rhetoric and actions that culminated on January 6, 2021. It was revealed that as many as 21 state lawmakers participated in the “Stop the Steal” rally prior to the Capitol attack. Moreover, the report indicates that nearly 60 Republican lawmakers or candidates were present in Washington, D.C., during the protests against the election certification. These findings underscored how state legislatures may serve as conduits for conspiracy theories and misinformation, demonstrating the potential for these bodies to subvert democratic norms from within.
Importantly, the memo sheds light on the violent disruptions to the transfer of power that occurred not just in Washington, but across various state Capitols. While national news coverage primarily focused on the Capitol riot, numerous state capitals also experienced unrest, with Republican lawmakers in some instances providing moral or logistical support to the rioters. For instance, former Oregon state Rep. Mike Nearman was expelled for his actions in facilitating access for protesters aiming to disrupt legislative proceedings. This pattern of behavior among certain Republican legislators serves as a warning sign that the seeds of insurrection had already begun to germinate at state levels long before the events of January 6.
Despite the fallout from their involvement in the events surrounding the 2020 election, many of these Republican lawmakers either have vacated their offices or are no longer seeking election. However, the DLCC has identified 15 Republican incumbents and five candidates who were part of the “Stop the Steal” rally, highlighting the ongoing electoral significance of their actions. While these individuals may not be in competitive races, their promotion of conspiracy theories about the election continues to resonate in certain Republican circles, with ongoing electoral contests spotlighting their past behavior.
In battleground states such as Arizona and Pennsylvania, Democratic candidates are running campaigns that focus heavily on these issues. Arizona state Sen. Shawnna Bolick, who sought to overturn her state’s election results, is facing a vigorous challenge from Democratic Rep. Judy Schwiebert, while Pennsylvania state Sen. Devlin Robinson is being contested by Democratic public-school teacher Nicole Ruscitto. The DLCC has employed targeted messaging aimed at these candidates, framing their involvement in election denialist rhetoric as detrimental to democratic values. This explicit focus on the preservation of democracy is being used as a central theme in Democratic strategies across several states.
As Democrats look to the upcoming elections, there is a concerted effort to flip control in key state legislatures, particularly in Arizona and New Hampshire, where minor seat gains can decisively alter the balance of power. Additionally, in states like Michigan and Minnesota where Democrats currently hold fragile majorities, the DLCC has highlighted recent voter protection legislation as shining examples of how state control can function as a bulwark against electoral interference. By contrasting these legislative achievements with the undermining tactics employed by Republicans, the DLCC aims to galvanize support for Democratic candidates, emphasizing the long-term significance of state-level elections in securing democratic processes against extremist actions.
In conclusion, the DLCC’s assessment of the 2020 election and its aftermath amplifies the necessity of focusing on state legislative races as critical battlegrounds for democratic integrity. Ensuring Democratic control of these statehouses is framed not only as a means of safeguarding institutions but as essential to fostering a stable and predictable transfer of power in future electoral cycles. With the stakes higher than ever, the memo articulates a vision wherein state legislatures can serve as both protectors of voting rights and a barrier against attempts to disrupt democracy, reaffirming the importance of civic engagement and participation at all levels of government.
