Democrats test a new red state strategy: Back independents over their own nominees – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Democratic leaders are adjusting their approach in states where the party label has long been a liability. With midterm elections approaching, they are directing attention and resources toward independent candidates in several Senate and House races rather than insisting on their own nominees. The move reflects a calculation that broader coalitions may offer the clearest path to challenging Republican incumbents in conservative territory.
Nebraska Sets an Early Example
In Nebraska, state Democratic chair Jane Kleeb described the decision to support independent Dan Osborn for the U.S. Senate as part of a deliberate, long-term plan. Osborn previously came within seven percentage points of victory in 2024, and party officials concluded he stands the best chance of defeating Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. The state party recently nominated Cindy Burbank for the seat but expects her to withdraw soon, clearing the field for the independent. Kleeb noted that Democrats make up only 32 percent of the Nebraska electorate. She said the party is also backing independents in at least four state legislative contests. The goal, she explained, is to build working coalitions that can deliver results for residents regardless of partisan affiliation.
Similar Patterns Appear Across Other States
The strategy extends beyond Nebraska. In Alaska, Democrats have declined to endorse their own House nominee and are instead watching independent Bill Hill, a commercial fisherman and retired school superintendent. Hill has already raised more than $780,000 in the first quarter of the year, outpacing the Democratic candidate. Local unions have begun lining up behind him as well. Independent bids are also underway in Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana. In South Dakota, Navy and Air Force veteran Brian Bengs is running without party backing after earlier experiences showed voters rejecting the Democratic label outright. These races illustrate how the tactic is being applied selectively where Democratic branding faces steep resistance.
National Party Infrastructure Offers Quiet Assistance
Elements of the national Democratic apparatus are providing behind-the-scenes help. ActBlue, the party’s primary fundraising platform, is processing contributions for some independent candidates. Democratic-aligned technology providers are supplying campaign tools, and certain congressional campaign committees are offering logistical support without public endorsement. Democratic strategist Josh Schwerin pointed to the current weakness of the party brand as a reason for the broader tent. He argued that the scale of challenges facing the country requires flexibility in candidate selection. At the same time, some donors and strategists in other states have expressed private reservations, preferring sustained efforts to improve the party’s image over short-term workarounds.
Independents Define Their Own Terms
The candidates themselves emphasize distance from both major parties. In Idaho, Army veteran and former Democratic legislator Todd Achilles said he would not caucus with either side if elected. He described his positions as centrist and stressed the need for term limits, age limits, and campaign finance changes to restore congressional function. In Alaska, Hill has told voters that pragmatic choices matter more than party loyalty this cycle. He has avoided sharp criticism of either Democrats or Republicans while highlighting the freedom independents enjoy to focus on working families. A group of veteran independents running in multiple states maintains regular contact to coordinate on shared priorities such as breaking partisan gridlock. What matters now is whether these independent candidacies can translate voter frustration with the two-party system into actual victories this fall. Success would test whether temporary alliances can produce lasting legislative impact once candidates reach Washington.