Red-State Dems Rally Behind Harris-Walz Duo as Voter Enthusiasm Soars

CHICAGO — State legislators gathered at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, discussing the impact of the newly announced Harris-Walz presidential ticket. According to attendees, the ticket has significantly invigorated the party’s base.

“This is a prime opportunity to engage a new wave of Democrats and voters,” stated Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. She emphasized the importance of statehouses and their role in voter representation during an interview with States Newsroom.

Democratic legislators from traditionally Republican states, such as Iowa, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, reported a surge in volunteer activity since Vice President Kamala Harris declared her candidacy. This shift came after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race following a challenging debate and pressure from party leaders.

Tennessee state Rep. John Ray Clemmons, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, noted an increase in volunteer support not only nationally but also for local state races. “There’s a new excitement, a sense of hope and purpose,” he remarked, drawing a parallel to the energy seen during Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Iowa’s Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum echoed this sentiment, observing a rise in volunteer inquiries. “Iowans are very excited,” she said, linking the surge to increased fundraising and community engagement.

State lawmakers highlighted heightened enthusiasm following Harris’s selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Jochum commented, “We haven’t felt this kind of hope for a while,” adding that Walz embodies a pragmatic approach to democracy.

Oklahoma State Sen. Carri Hicks praised Walz for presenting a compassionate leadership style. She noted that both Harris’s advocacy for reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Walz’s personal connection to family health issues resonate strongly with voters in her district.

“Healthcare is the number one economic engine for my district,” Hicks explained. “Access to reproductive care is particularly relevant to many constituents.”

In swing states, the mood mirrored that of lawmakers in more Republican-leaning regions. North Carolina state House Democratic leader Robert Reives observed that issues related to reproductive rights have galvanized voter participation. “Women are recognizing that rights are under threat,” he stated.

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate described the momentum surrounding the Harris-Walz campaign as a “shot in the arm.” He expressed optimism for expanding Democratic representation in the statehouse and securing victory for Harris in Michigan.

Following Harris’s entry into the race, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter shifted several battleground states—including Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada—from “lean Republican” to “toss-up.” With less than three months remaining before the election, Harris and Walz have already begun active campaigning in these key areas.

During a breakfast meeting with Wisconsin delegates, Walz urged sustained campaigning efforts. “We’ve got 78 days of hard work,” he concluded. “We can sleep when we’re dead.”