Democrats Prioritize Abortion Rights as Key Issue in Battleground States

In preparation for the 2024 election, Democrats are wasting no time in targeting likely opponents over abortion rights in swing states with vulnerable Democratic senators up for re-election. While most Republicans haven't confirmed their candidacy yet, Democrats are keen to maintain the momentum they gained after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, which proved to be a successful issue for the party. By focusing on this divisive topic early on, Democrats hope to support Senate Democrats, who face a challenging electoral map, defending 23 seats compared to just 10 for Republicans.

One battleground state where the issue of abortion rights will be particularly difficult for Republicans to avoid is Wisconsin. The state is currently dealing with a highly unpopular abortion ban that was enacted in 1849 and prohibits abortions in almost all cases. Democrats in Wisconsin are wasting no time bringing the issue to the forefront. Incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin has already started emphasizing her support for abortion rights. The Democratic National Committee has launched a campaign in multiple battleground states, including Wisconsin, featuring a large billboard in Milwaukee and digital ads highlighting Democrats' stance on reproductive rights.

Republicans in Swing States Grapple with Messaging on Divisive Abortion Issue

The Wisconsin Democratic Party has been active on social media, criticizing the records of potential Republican challengers such as Rep. Tom Tiffany, businessmen Eric Hovde and Scott Mayer, and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. A recent poll found that 66% of registered voters in Wisconsin believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, creating a challenging environment for Republicans who hold more restrictive positions on the issue.

The Republicans mentioned above have varying views on abortion. For instance, Tiffany co-sponsored a 2021 House bill proposing a ban on most abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy. Clarke has equated abortion to slavery and "genocide" and has called for a government ban on abortion. Hovde has expressed being "100% pro-life," while Mayer has stated support for some access to abortion while aligning with what the people want.

Abortion was a liability for Republican candidates in Wisconsin during the 2022 midterms, and it played a significant role in Democratic victories in the state. Democrats are hoping to replicate that success in the upcoming Senate campaign. A lawsuit challenging the enforceability of the 1849 ban is currently being heard in a state court. Conservative organizations have vowed to appeal a negative decision, which is probably going to result in the state Supreme Court hearing the case during election season. This further elevates the issue's prominence in the race.

Republicans Seek Effective Counter-Messaging on Abortion to Neutralize Democrats' Position

According to NBC, Republicans in the state have struggled to develop a cohesive strategy for addressing abortion. While some suggest talking more about opposing abortion and framing it in terms of faith, others argue for highlighting the Democrats' position as extreme. Democrats, on the other hand, are committed to promoting their support for reproductive rights and challenging Republicans' stances on the issue. The Democrats believe that Republicans' views are out of touch with voters and that reproductive rights will remain a defining issue in the 2024 Senate races.

The offensive on abortion rights is not limited to Wisconsin. Democrats in other battleground states like Montana, Nevada, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have already begun targeting Republicans on the issue. In Pennsylvania, the state Democratic Party is running digital ads against potential Republican candidate David McCormick, highlighting his stance that life begins at conception and his support for abortion exceptions in "very rare instances." Democrats are certain that voters will reject the GOP's position on abortion, and they think this issue will continue to be crucial in the Senate races of 2024.

Ben Wikler, the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, believes that any counter-messaging from Republicans won't be able to reconcile public attitudes toward reproductive care. He asserts that the debate over who should make decisions about abortion-women and their doctors or Republican politicians-is a debate that Sen. Baldwin is ready to have. As the election season progresses, it remains to be seen how the abortion rights issue will shape the political landscape and influence voter opinions in key battleground states.