Democrat House members facing tough re-elections vote against Pelosi’s Heroes Act
Fourteen House Democrats crossed party lines last week and voted against the latest $3 trillion stimulus bill. Some of these Democrats simply didn’t feel that the bill went far enough but at least four might have had their re-elections in mind.
Reps Cindy Axne (D-Iowa), Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa), Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia) and Haley Stevens (D-Michigan) are all facing strong GOP challengers in November. The Cook Political Report ranks Axne, Finkenauer, and Spanberger’s races as “toss-ups” and although Stevens race is ranked “Leans Democrat” at the moment, President Trump’s strong campaign apparatus in Michigan is sure to have an impact on her race.
Here is a more detailed look at the four close races:
Rep. Cindy Axne (D-Iowa)
Axne, a small business owner who runs a digital design firm, finds herself in a rematch from 2018 with former Congressman David Young. The Iowa district is mainly rural but does include the Des Moines metro which is where Axne was able to win enough votes to unseat Young in 2018 with 49.3 percent of the vote.
Young remains well liked in the district and has stayed involved on the political scene. Before his election to Congress he served as chief of staff to the state’s senior senator, Chuck Grassley. President Trump remains popular in Iowa and has a strong campaign team on the ground which will certainly benefit Young.
Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa)
Finkenaur, a former state legislator, is one of the youngest members of Congress. She defeated Rep. Rod Blum in 2018 in the eastern Iowa district that includes three of the state’s largest cities: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Dubuque. The district has been represented by Republicans and Democrats and is often a toss-up race. This year is no different as Finkenaur will likely find herself up against state lawmaker and former television anchor, Ashley Hinson.
Hinson is in a primary race but is likely to win. She has tremendous name ID, having been on television, and has already proven to be a tough fundraiser with high profile endorsements.
Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia)
Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement officer for the United States Postal Service and CIA operations officer won 50.3 percent of votes to upset incumbent David Brat in 2018. She’s the first Democratic representative of the district since 1970. The district spans across much of Central Virginia including the Richmond suburbs.
There are currently six Republicans vying to for the party’s nomination and the eventual nominee will be chosen in July. In a presidential election year, Spanberger will have a tough time keeping this historically Republican district in Democrat hands.
Haley Stevens (D-Michigan)
Stevens, a former Obama administration official, won 51.8 percent of the votes in an open race in 2018. The district had previously been represented by Republican David Trott. Stevens gained national attention during a passionate speech on the House floor during the CARES Act vote. She wore
There are five Republicans looking to challenge Stevens with the primary scheduled for August. Michigan is another state where President Trump will focus a lot of resources and the eventual nominee will no doubt latch on to the president’s coattails.
Voting against this bill further proved a divide amongst Democrats. These vulnerable incumbents showed that they are starting to weigh each vote carefully as the election gets closer. The other representatives continue to demand even more liberal policies and believe Speaker Pelosi isn’t going far enough. With more stimulus packages likely, Pelosi will have to mend her caucus if she has any hopes of any bills becoming law.
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