As the 2022 midterm elections approach, Pennsylvania stands as a crucial litmus test for the Democrats’ strategic shift towards making democracy a centerpiece of their campaign strategy. The entrusting of the Keystone State’s gubernatorial and senatorial race previews the nationwide Democrats plan to refocus their campaign on the foundations of democracy.
Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, holds an undeniable influence over the national political landscape, making it a backdrop for assessing the Democrats’ new approach. Democrats are capitalizing on the state’s varied political climate, which comprises urbanized, suburban and rural areas each bearing different political inclinations, to demonstrate their commitment to democratic values.
The state became a contested ground following the 2020 elections, when former President Donald Trump and his supporters instigated widespread controversy about voting integrity and results. This incident provides a fitting launchpad for Democrats to emphasize democratic principles, such as free and fair elections, the peaceful transfer of power, and respect for the rule of law.
Candidates running on the Democratic ticket are rallying behind these principles in their bid for the governor’s mansion and the U.S Senate seat. By moving away from conventional political topics such as the economy and healthcare, candidates such as Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman – both running for the governor’s seat – are bringing the state of the nation’s democracy to the forefront.
Shapiro has held a staunch stance against the onslaught on democratic principles, particularly those concerning voting rights. As Attorney General, he took an active role in defending Pennsylvania’s voting protocols during the 2020 elections when they were under scrutiny. On the other hand, Fetterman has established himself as a fierce proponent of voting rights, often championing the call for criminal justice reform and marijuana legalization – citing democratic principles of freedom and equity.
In the senatorial race, candidates such as Representative Conor Lamb and State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta center their campaigns on the defense and revival of democracy. Their messaging reinforces democratic norms and values while contesting populist narratives that undermine democratic institutions. Kenyatta, notably the first openly gay person of color to serve in Pennsylvania General Assembly, is set to inject fresh perspectives into the politics of democracy, equality, and civil rights, central themes in this election cycle.
The campaigns are expected to attract nationwide attention, furnishing a model for how Democrats might shape their messaging and strategies for the highly anticipated 2022 midterm elections. An underlying goal is to generate voter enthusiasm around democratic principles, counteracting the voting apathy that typically accompanies midterm elections.
Interestingly, this shift does not mean neglecting policy-oriented campaigning. Instead, candidates are linking issues such as climate change, pandemic recovery, and economic inequality to the broader narrative of democratic governance. By framing such issues within the context of democracy, candidates aim to highlight the real-world implications of democratic backsliding and the consequent need for robust democratic institutions.
The Democrats’ planned focus on democracy in their campaigns in Pennsylvania may well set the tone for similar strategies across the country. Their success or failure in these crucial races will provide valuable insights into whether democracy serves as a mobilizing force for voters ahead of the nationwide midterm elections in 2022.
