In 2018 gubernatorial elections, Democrats have nominated a large number of extreme far-left candidates – and it’s hurting their chances of winning key governorships, even in deep-blue states.
As National Journal reports, Democrats are blowing governors’ races that many thought would have been winnable, after nominating candidates who are too far-left, too outside of the mainstream and too unelectable.
With radical nominees like Ben Jealous in Maryland, David Garcia in Arizona, Andrew Gillum in Florida and many others struggling to connect with voters, National Journal argues that “it’s a demonstration that candidates out of the mainstream can all too easily cost a party winnable races” and that “by nominating progressives in battleground states, Democrats are improving the GOP’s chances of winning consequential contests.”
While Democrats in Senate and House contests recruited moderate candidates who fit the molds of their states, putting them in better electoral position, Democrats in charge of governor’s races have embraced far-left nominees – putting their party at a disadvantage for victory this November.
By nominating progressives in battleground states, Democrats are improving the GOP’s chances of winning consequential contests. Just look to liberal Maryland as a textbook example.
Hogan’s ability to build a broad coalition is testament to his engaging personality, record of economic growth during his tenure, and an eagerness to split from President Trump on myriad issues. But the governor’s commanding lead over Democrat Ben Jealous is also a product of the Democratic Party’s leftward lurch in Maryland, a dynamic that is replicating itself in other pivotal governors’ races across the country.
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The next few weeks will be important for newly minted gubernatorial candidates like Garcia and Gillum to define themselves before the opposition does it for them. Hogan’s success in Maryland isn’t just an illustration of how bipartisanship is a political winner. It’s a demonstration that candidates out of the mainstream can all too easily cost a party winnable races.”
