Independent candidates sense a moment in the West. Democrats are hoping they're right
Independent candidates are running for Senate in several states that previously supported Donald Trump, hoping to capitalize on voter frustration with the two-party system. Democratic party leaders are exploring coalitions with these independents to help regain control of Congress in regions where the Democratic brand is struggling.
Why it matters
This strategy highlights a potential shift in US electoral tactics where major parties may leverage independent candidates to win in deep-red districts.
BURWELL, NEBRASKA – Tucked in the rolling Sandhills, the largest sand dune formation in America, sits Morgan Ranch, a 15,000-acre, family-run operation home to 1,000 cows and thousands of offspring.
"There's a lot of mouths to feed — both animals and two-legged," laughed Dan Morgan. His ranch has one of the largest privately-owned Wagyu herds in the U.S.
He said his job has given him a front row seat to what he calls the "uncertainty" of President Trump's policies.
"To raise a piece of meat takes me three years," Morgan said. "Well, look at the changes in the past two years: costs, tariffs, reciprocal tariffs because half of our business is export — it's just hell," he said.
He's a Democrat — a self-described small blue dot in a sea of red, in a county and state that President Trump dominated two years ago.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in