RSLC’s ‘Left’s Most Wanted’ Campaign Played Pivotal Role in Defeating Eight Battleground-District Democrats

Washington, D.C. – Affirming a GOP mandate up and down the ballot nationwide, state Republicans picked up key victories across crucial battleground states in Arizona, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The RSLC’s ‘Left’s Most Wanted’ paid media campaign helped defend GOP majorities in Arizona, New Hampshire and Wisconsin while breaking out of the Democrat trifecta in the Minnesota House chamber. Of the ten Democrats the RSLC targeted in this paid media effort, eight were defeated by strong state Republican candidates who campaigned on the important issues of border security, crime, and the economy. 

“The American people voted resoundingly to defend and expand state GOP majorities and break out of Democrat-controlled trifectas,” said RSLC President Dee Duncan. “We knew that state Republicans had the upper hand on winning issues like border security, crime, and the economy, which is why we dedicated significant resources into these crucial battleground districts to drive home our message. The RSLC’s ‘Left’s Most Wanted’ ad campaign made an example of state Democrats across Arizona, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Wisconsin by going on offense and holding them accountable. We will continue to build off the success we had this cycle to protect and expand our majorities nationwide come next cycle, where Democrats will come back with more money than ever before to unseat Republicans.” 

Of the ten Democrats the RSLC targeted in this paid media effort, eight were defeated by strong Republican candidates who campaigned on the important issues of border security, crime, and the economy. In Arizona, Republicans saw a clean sweep of Democrat target seats to win key House districts and protect vital state Senate seats that will determine the future of Arizonans. In Minnesota, state Republicans went on offense to defeat Jeff Brand, helping Minnesota House Republicans break out of the Democrat trifecta. In New Hampshire, Republicans worked to protect its majorities in both chambers, unseating NH Senate Minority Leader Donna Soucy who had held her leadership position since 2018. In Wisconsin, Republicans secured wins in key Assembly seats that were pivotal in maintaining its legislative advantage.

The RSLC’s ‘Left’s Most Wanted’ campaign was successful in defeating the following battleground Democrats: 

• Arizona

• LD-4: Christine Marsh 

• LD-13: Brandy Reese 

• LD-16: Keith Seaman 

• Minnesota

• HD-18A: Jeff Brand

• New Hampshire

• SD-11: Shannon Chandley 

• SD-18: Donna Soucy 

• Wisconsin 

• AD-21: David Marstellar 

• AD-61: LuAnn Bird  

The message of border security was successful in unseating Arizona House Representative Christine Marsh, who was caught on tape saying she would end  the collaboration of local law enforcement with I.C.E. despite Arizonans citing the crisis on the border as an issue of top concern.

Watch “Wrong for Arizona” HERE.

Background:

Earlier this year, the RSLC released its updated legislative targets prioritizing the defense of Republican strongholds nationwide. Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin were named three of the most critical GOP majorities to protect in this contentious election year. Republicans currently control 57 state legislative chambers, while Democrats have majorities in 42. Tight margins in numerous states mean that just five chambers stand in the way of Democrats gaining a national majority. The ‘Left's Most Wanted’ fall series ad campaign follows the RSLC's summer ad series emphasizing how the agendas being pursued by Republicans in state houses across the country are directly addressing the top issues on the minds of voters in key battleground states.  
 

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