Democratic candidates in tight races are navigating a delicate balance this election cycle, weighing the political benefits of aligning with former Vice President Kamala Harris against the potential risks of her polarizing influence following her 2024 defeat. Some are distancing themselves more openly, while others continue to seek her endorsement, reflecting broader debates over how to leverage high-profile support amid shifting voter sentiment. The approach highlights the challenges of campaign strategy in a post-election landscape where party loyalty and public perception remain in flux. Candidates must now decide how closely to associate with a figure whose political capital is both a resource and a liability.
Democratic candidates in competitive election races are taking different tacks this cycle over how close to affiliate themselves with former Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s lent her support to many of them but whose loss in the 2024 election has made her a more polarizing figure. Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek (D) told reporters this...
