National Democrats invest in 10 states, including Florida Senate race
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Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress
Florida is among 10 states national Democrats are targeting for a $25 million push to expand voter outreach, according to multiple outlets.
Why it matters: New spending from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee shows the party is working to maintain its Senate advantage and sees winning in the Sunshine State as a potential way to do that.
- For years, the party overlooked Florida.
- This year, citing an anticipated boost in progressive interest due to referenda on marijuana and abortion rights, party leaders here have been urging national Democrats to flip the script.
Yes, but: It's unclear how much money is flowing to Florida.
- The DSCC declined to disclose its state-by-state investment figures, according to the Associated Press.
How it works: The investment will defend Democratic incumbents and open seats in some states.
- In Florida, it'll support efforts to unseat Republican Sen. Rick Scott, who faces Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Between the lines: It will also support hiring more paid field organizers and canvassers, as well as in-person organizing events that target younger generations and nonwhite voters, among others, per the AP.
Zoom in: Scott's campaign has spent nearly $12 million on advertising since the start of 2023, compared to about $4.5 million for Murcarsel-Powell, according to AdImpact.
- In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale media market, Republican spending on the race has topped Democrats by more than $2 million.
Zoom out: The National Republican Senatorial Committee has outraised the DSCC, reporting more than $181 million as of July 31 compared to democrats' $154 million, according to the AP.
What we're watching: A new statewide poll of likely Florida voters has Mucarsel-Powell just one percentage point behind Scott.
- Other recent polling had Scott leading Mucarsel-Powell 47% to 43%.