Democratic leaders are adopting an unconventional strategy this midterm season, opting in some cases not to back their own party's candidates in deeply conservative states where the Democratic brand is perceived as a liability. Instead, they are subtly encouraging, and sometimes openly promoting, independent candidates they believe stand a better chance against Republican incumbents. This new approach is reportedly receiving quiet support from the Democratic National Committee and its allies in Washington.
Shift in Nebraska and Alaska
This shift is evident in states like Nebraska and Alaska, where Democratic officials are looking beyond traditional party lines. Some of these independent candidates are even coordinating their efforts through group chats, aiming to disrupt a Congress often paralyzed by partisan gridlock.
In Nebraska, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Cindy Burbank, explicitly stated that a primary goal of her campaign was to ensure a Democrat would not be on the fall ballot, thereby avoiding drawing support away from independent Dan Osborn. Following the primary, Burbank reiterated her intention to withdraw in the coming weeks, according to state Democratic chair Jane Kleeb. Democratic leaders believe Osborn, who previously came within seven percentage points of winning a Senate seat in 2024, offers the strongest challenge to Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.
Strategy Across Multiple States
This pivot towards independents is a deliberate strategy in some regions, and a more tacit understanding in others, spanning several high-profile Senate, House, and even statehouse races. Independent Senate candidates are also emerging in states such as Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana. While Democratic leadership has not fully embraced these independents in all cases, many within the party view them as the most viable option to counter Republicans this fall.
"For some states, and Nebraska is one of them, where Democrats are 32% of the electorate, this is a long-term strategy for us," stated Jane Kleeb, who also serves as a vice chair to the Democratic National Committee. Kleeb confirmed her state party is backing independents in at least four state legislative seats in addition to the U.S. Senate race, emphasizing, "We have to build a coalition with independents in order to win elections so we can do good work for the people. Period."
National Democratic Support
Elements of the national Democratic political machine appear to be on board. The party's fundraising platform, ActBlue, supports some independent candidates, as do popular Democratic-allied website builders. Simultaneously, some of the party's campaign committees in Washington are quietly providing logistical assistance, while refraining from public criticism of independent candidates, even in races where a Democratic nominee exists.
"The Democratic Party's brand is awful right now," commented Democratic strategist Josh Schwerin. "The combination of the brand problem and the existential nature of the threat that our country is facing requires us to have a big tent and look for candidates who can win."
Risks and Criticisms
However, this strategy carries inherent risks for the Democratic Party. Some Democratic donors, strategists, and party leaders from other states have privately expressed reservations, arguing that Democrats should not abandon their own nominees for short-term political gains. They advocate for officials, both in Washington and in red states, to focus on making the Democratic brand more appealing, even if it requires a multi-year effort to become competitive.
"What's the Independent going to do for the Democratic Party if they win?" questioned Democratic strategist Mike Ceraso, who views the shift as an attempt to disguise Democrats in certain instances. "We're the party of truth and honesty and integrity, but we're playing these stupid political games?" There is also no guarantee that elected independent candidates would align with all Democratic policy priorities or support Democratic leadership in Congress.
Independent Candidates' Perspectives
In Idaho, independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles, an Army veteran and former Democratic state legislator, has stated he would not caucus with either party if elected. Describing his politics as "straight down the middle," Achilles champions individual liberties, asserting, "Idahoans should be able to live how they want." He believes the Democratic Party "has given up on little red states like Idaho," and cited the party's initial decision to run Joe Biden again for president in 2024 as a significant misstep. He also noted that "the shine is coming off" Donald Trump, who Idaho voters supported by 36 points in 2024. Achilles and other military veterans running for Senate as independents communicate via text, sharing a common goal to establish "guardrails," including term and age limits and campaign finance reform. "The priority is to get Congress functioning again," he said. "We gotta break the grip of the two-party system."
In South Dakota, Navy and Air Force veteran Brian Bengs is launching an independent bid against Republican incumbent Senator Mike Rounds. Bengs, a lifelong independent, previously ran as a Democrat against Senate Majority Leader John Thune four years ago, losing by 43 points. He recounted being turned down by the party this time when he sought organizational support without the Democratic label. His 2022 campaign taught him the difficulty of overcoming the Democratic Party label. Voters would immediately ask, "What are you?" he recalled. "When you say, 'I'm a lifelong independent running as a Democrat,'" Bengs said, the response was quick. "'I'll never vote for a Democrat.' And that was it," he said. "So that takeaway soured me on running again in any party system, because it was just a soul-sucking experience."
Republican Criticism
A spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized independents like Osborn, Bengs, Achilles, and Seth Bodnar (running in Montana) as "fake Independents who would push liberal Democratic policies in the Senate." Currently, two independents serve in the Senate: Maine Senator Angus King and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, both of whom caucus with Democrats.
Hill stated he is unlikely to caucus with Republicans if elected, but also made no commitment to joining Democrats. He was reluctant to criticize either the Democratic Party or Donald Trump. Acknowledging the challenges of running for Congress as an independent, Hill also highlighted the benefits. "There's freedom," he said. "I can truly represent the working people of Alaska."
