Arizona Senator and ADLCC Board Chair Priya Sundareshan, New Hampshire House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, and Wisconsin Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer discussed how building Democratic power in the states is essential to defeating Trump’s Project 2025 MAGA agenda
WASHINGTON — Earlier today, DLCC President Heather Williams hosted a virtual press conference with state legislative leaders in top target states to discuss how to defeat Republican extremism and the stakes for the 2024 elections.
ADLCC Board Chair, Senator Priya Sundareshan, New Hampshire House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, and Wisconsin Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer spoke about how GOP extremism threatens their states and how state legislative candidates will play a key role in the fight against Trump and his MAGA allies this November.
Regardless of who wins the White House this year, Republicans’ playbook is to move their MAGA agenda through the states. Democrats in state legislatures are a top line of defense for our fundamental freedoms and our democracy. Investing in Democrats’ efforts to build power at this ballot level is an effective mechanism to defend our future, especially if Donald Trump ends up back in power.
That’s why last month, the DLCC launched a first-of-its-kind $10 million “Summer of the States” campaign, calling attention to the critical window in the summer months to make key investments and build the infrastructure needed for Democrats to win in November.
To watch a full recording of the Zoom press conference, click here.
ADLCC Board Chair, Senator Priya Sundareshan
- “In Arizona, we are only two [seats] away from flipping both chambers to deliver a Democratic trifecta for the first time since 1966. This is a critical year, a critical time for us, and the stakes couldn’t be higher because Republicans in the majority have shown us what they’re about, and they continue to legislate to the extremes.
- “These candidates are inspiring people, they’re building infrastructure on the ground, they’re knocking on hundreds of doors in their communities. Not only, this year, will Arizona be a presidential battleground, we also have a major Senate race, and abortion will be on the ballot, we have a major opportunity to flip the state legislature, and I know all eyes are on Arizona this year.”
New Hampshire House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm
- “Despite our motto here is ‘Live Free or Die’, New Hampshire Republicans have used their majorities to follow the MAGA Republican playbook that instructs them to attack our personal freedoms, to fixate on the issues that divide us, and leave hardworking Granite Staters and their families behind.
- “New Hampshire is a small state with a very large legislative chamber… that means all legislative districts are very small which provides an incredible opportunity for our candidates to get out there and talk to their neighbors. They’re running in their neighborhood, they’re talking to their neighbors about what matters to them. It’s about rights and freedoms, it’s about saving money… issues like housing and childcare that are impacting families but are also impacting our workforce.”
Wisconsin Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer
- “For over 12 years, Wisconsin has been a democracy desert. We had illegitimate Republican majorities created by one of the worst gerrymanders in the country, and those maps silenced voters and led to the consolidation of political power to benefit one party. Because of this consolidation, the will of Wisconsin voters has been ignored.
- “For the first time in over a decade, Wisconsin voters have the opportunity to elect a legislature that truly represents their interests, and we are not letting this opportunity pass us by. We have been hard at work recruiting high-quality candidates across the state. From local elected officials, parents, school board members, union workers, and more, we have built a slate of candidates who are doing the work.”
DLCC President Heather Williams
- “As we stare down the potential of a second Trump presidency, one fact is abundantly clear: state Democrats are the top line of defense for our fundamental freedoms and our democracy.
- “Abortion, LGBTQ rights, gun violence, and democracy itself are all being decided in the states. Republicans are pouring tens of millions of dollars into their state operations to build an army of MAGA allies in state legislatures across the country.
- “To stop a MAGA takeover this year, Democrats must show up in all ways to reject Donald Trump’s allies and protect our rights at all levels of the ballot. The groundwork to meet this moment must happen now.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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