Monica Tranel, a Democratic congressional candidate, is gaining support in Montana’s conservative eastern district by focusing on themes like limited government and personal freedom. Interestingly, Tranel, a 58-year-old lawyer, is using these traditionally conservative ideas to talk to voters about abortion.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, Democrats have seen electoral success, partly due to their focus on reproductive rights. Many Democrats are now emphasizing values like liberty and limited government, which have historically been associated with conservatives.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for president after President Biden decided not to, has called her campaign “a fight for freedom.” Her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has echoed this message, saying Democrats respect personal choices, even if they wouldn’t make the same choices themselves.
Walz has also pointed out that Republicans used to champion freedom, but now seem more focused on government control in personal matters, like healthcare decisions.
The issue of abortion is energizing both parties and is expected to be a major factor in the 2024 presidential election. Candidates like Tranel are trying to appeal to moderate and undecided voters by framing abortion as an issue of personal freedom.
Michelle Vallejo, another Democrat running for Congress in Texas, is using a similar approach. She tells conservative voters that defending women’s reproductive freedom is about protecting personal liberty. A recent poll found that 50% of Republican women believe abortion should be legal in most cases, showing that this approach might resonate with some voters.
Republicans, on the other hand, are focusing on “commonsense solutions” and emphasizing that they also value freedom, but with different priorities. For example, Yvette Herrell, a Republican candidate in New Mexico, is pro-life but supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life.
Abortion may not be the first issue voters bring up, but it’s often the one that can sway their vote. In states like Arizona, candidates like Kirsten Engel are hearing from voters that decisions about reproductive care should be personal, not political.
In the end, the debate over abortion and freedom is complex, with both parties trying to frame the issue in a way that aligns with their values. The outcome of this debate will likely have a significant impact on the 2024 elections.