DLCC and VoteVets Supporting Veterans Running for State Legislatures

WASHINGTON — This is a pivotal election year. It has never been more important to run good candidates for every office at every level in every state. Right now, state Democrats are just 17 seats away from reclaiming the majority in eight chambers – and veterans running for office could provide the needed bump to put Democrats over the edge.

There are 6,066 state legislative races on the ballot this fall, and Democrats have more than 5,300 candidates running. And, mirroring the trend we’re seeing on the federal level, we have seen an increase in veterans running for state legislatures this year. 

There are almost 400 Democratic veterans running this cycle, which is 11 percent more than we saw in 2016.

Veterans join a diverse set of candidates running this year. Nearly half of the Democratic candidates running are women, which is more than twice as many compared to Republicans. And more than 1,100 are candidates of color, which is four times more than the Republicans have running.

State legislators are working to pass laws that are making a difference in their communities. From protecting voting rights, to expanding access to affordable health care, to fighting for equal pay and human rights for all. That’s why it’s more important now than ever that we continue working to grow our ranks at every level of government to help build the pipeline of strong Democratic candidates.

State Democrats are leading the resistance against the Republicans’ extremist policies while moving our nation forward one state at a time, and our state governments would benefit greatly from the experience, knowledge, and values of these veteran candidates.

The DLCC and VoteVets have joined forces to help elect Democratic veterans to state legislatures across the country. You can learn more about our work and how you can help atdlcc.org and at votevets.org.