Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Pacoima) is in search of to run House Democrats’ marketing campaign arm within the 2024 election cycle, probably pitting two California Democrats towards one another for the put up.
Cárdenas introduced his intentions in a letter to House Democrats on Friday morning, whilst management of the House remained too near name.
“No matter the outcome of this election, we defied expectations,” Cárdenas wrote. “We beat conventional wisdom, outperformed in districts everywhere, and showed that our power is with the people.”
He went on to thank outgoing Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney, crediting the New York Democrat and his group for serving to avert a crimson wave whilst Maloney misplaced his personal seat to Congress within the course of.
Despite ousting an energetic DCCC chief for the primary time in 40 years, Republican congressional candidates fell in need of the expectations GOP leaders set this cycle. Though they’re nonetheless favored to win management of the House, a deliberate election evening victory speech from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) was delayed for a number of hours after unexpectedly robust performances from Democratic candidates throughout the nation.
“In the coming weeks, we will make time to figure out how we can do better,” Cárdenas stated. “But the work to win back the seats we lost and expand our Democratic Caucus begins today.”
Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove) can be excited by working to change into chair of the marketing campaign group, although he has not but declared his intentions.
“As there are many undecided races and recounts likely to take place, Rep. Bera is doing everything he can to help ensure Democrats retain their current majority in the House,” Bera spokesman Travis Horne stated in an announcement to The Times. “As DCCC Frontline Chair, Rep. Bera is speaking with Members about what went right and improvements that can be made as we head into the next cycle.”
In his letter, Cárdenas highlighted his marketing campaign journey this cycle and the $800,000 he’s raised or donated to different Democrats. He stated he needs “to grow our caucus by charting a new course rooted in your strategic input, collective political experiences, and battle-tested campaign expertise,” arguing that Democratic candidates themselves are the specialists on win their districts.
He additionally leaned on his expertise as a former chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ marketing campaign arm, BOLD PAC. Cárdenas stated that as the pinnacle of BOLD PAC, it “raised record-breaking funds every cycle,” a complete exceeding $35 million in six years, elevated membership inside the Hispanic Caucus and supported greater than 150 non-Latino members and candidates for the primary time.
In a caucus lengthy dominated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), the DCCC chair’s put up is commonly seen as a launchpad to larger positions — both inside the caucus or outdoors of it. Past chairs embody Rahm Emanuel, who later turned White House chief of employees, Chicago mayor and U.S. ambassador to Japan, and now-Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).
More lately, nonetheless, the chairs have been locked in aggressive races themselves. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) received reelection by 4 share factors when she chaired the DCCC in 2020. Republicans received 14 seats that cycle regardless of President Biden profitable the White House and Democrats profitable management of a 50-50 Senate.
Bustos didn’t search reelection this 12 months. But Maloney, who defeated Cárdenas to win the DCCC put up two years in the past, did. He conceded his race to Republican Mike Lawler earlier this week. After New York’s redistricting course of, Maloney drew criticism from fellow Democrats for asserting a run in a district extra aligned with Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), who ran in a unique district to keep away from difficult Maloney however misplaced in a crowded main.
Allies of Cárdenas say his profile as a hardworking lawmaker who understands the variety of Hispanics and different voters of colours could be an asset in a presidential cycle the place Donald Trump, who made inroads with Black and Hispanic voters, is predicted to launch a 3rd White House marketing campaign as quickly as subsequent week.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) stated Cárdenas would prioritize variety and inclusion at each stage, which might be mirrored in staffing, recruitment and even donors. She additionally praised him for his willingness to assist different teams just like the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Democratic Women’s Caucus fill their coffers.
“He would be a good chair,” Kelly stated. “He has experience leading political organizations, and we need someone with his type of experience and the ability to build relationships at the top of the DCCC.”
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) added that it’s vital to have somebody main the DCCC who would interact with Hispanic voters early, typically and in a nuanced method as Republicans proceed to attempt to make features with that demographic. He additionally stated Cárdenas advantages from being in a secure Democratic seat, significantly after Republicans have focused DCCC chairs in current cycles.
“Last time he ran, he got very, very, very, very close,” Cuellar stated. “And I think he’s going to win this time.”
House Democrats are anticipated to carry their inside management elections on Nov. 30, although it’s unclear whether or not any of the highest positions will probably be accessible. Neither Pelosi nor her prime lieutenants have introduced their intentions since Tuesday’s election, although Pelosi has beforehand stated this could be her final time period as Democratic chief. She lately instructed CNN the assault on her husband final month would issue into her decision-making.
