Chicago, Illinois USA - 08-22-2024: Democratic National Convention Chicago, United Center DNC 2024 - Day 4. (Photo credit: Peter Serocki / Shutterstock)
With less than 50 days until Election Day, House Democrats are adding new candidates to their top recruits list — including one who isn't actually a Democrat.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Tuesday that it is expanding its "Red to Blue" program, which offers candidates strategic guidance, staffing and fundraising help, to include Bill Hill, an independent running for Alaska's at-large House seat, along with Michigan Democrat Will Lawrence and Wisconsin Democrat Mitchell Berman, reported MS NOW.
The additions bring the program's total to 40 candidates for the cycle.
Hill, a fisherman and former school superintendent, finished second behind the Republican incumbent in Alaska's nonpartisan primary and won the state Democratic Party's endorsement after committing to support organized labor and abortion rights.
Asked whether the Democratic brand is a liability in Alaska, where most voters register as nonpartisan and which backed President Donald Trump by 13 points in 2024, Hill declined to answer directly, saying Alaskans "don't align ourselves with a party."
The DCCC last added a non-Democrat to the program in 2020, also for an Alaska House run.
Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, won a contentious primary to challenge Rep. Tom Barrett in Michigan's 7th District, defeating a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and a retired Navy SEAL.
He has faced scrutiny over past comments describing Black political leaders as a "pillar" of the "capitalist imperialist" establishment, which he says he regrets.
Berman, a nurse running in Wisconsin's 1st District against Rep. Bryan Steil, has cast himself as a working-class candidate who hunts and fishes. Trump carried the district by about four points in 2024, though Steil won it by 10.
DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) said the three "represent the very best of their communities — unbought, practical leaders who know what it takes to win in tough districts," adding that voters are ready to send House Republicans a clear message this November.