House Democrats bet on small and fun events for minority outreach

The House Democratic campaign arm is increasingly relying on small, community-centered events for its get-out-the-vote efforts among voters of color, looking to increase interest with nonpolitical hooks.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is organizing barbecues, boxing watch parties, social mixers and more to bring in low-propensity voters in competitive districts.

“From meet and greets and carne asadas to ‘fight nights’ and mixers across the congressional battlefield, our [Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)], Black, and Latino Engagement District Directors have been finding a plethora of ways to meaningfully make connections with voters in their communities,” said DCCC spokesperson José Muñoz in a statement.

“These community events are part of our broader strategy to mobilize AANHPI, Black, and Latino voters by meeting them where they are, and listening to the things they care most about in their communities.” 

In Omaha, Neb., where state lawmaker Tony Vargas (D) is running to unseat Rep. Don Bacon (R), the DCCC organized a Labor Day BBQ that brought in 70 attendees. That number may seem tiny, but Nebraska’s 2nd District race could come down to the wire — Bacon bested Vargas in 2022 by fewer than 6,000 votes.

In California’s 13th District, Rep. John Duarte (R) and former state Assemblyman Adam Gray are also having a 2022 rematch, after Duarte won that race by 564 votes.

The DCCC hosted a party on Sept. 15 to watch Mexican superstar boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez beat Edgar Berlanga in a 12-round fight. Before the fight, the 50-plus attendants heard from a local Democrat about the party’s vision for Central Valley issues including water conservation and education.

In New Mexico’s 2nd District, Democrats are playing defense in yet another rematch, hoping to reelect Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D) against former Rep. Yvette Herrell (R), who lost her seat to Vasquez in 2022 by 1,350 votes.

The DCCC has hosted a series of carne asadas, including one in Hobbs, N.M., that attracted 60 attendees.

The group has also hosted AANHPI meet and greets in California’s 45th District, where Democrat Derek Tran is hoping to unseat Rep. Michelle Steel (R); a women-in-business event supporting Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.); and a “Black Men’s Forum” and “Black Women in Leadership Mixer” in Virginia, where Democrats are hoping to limit Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R) to a single term.

Other Democrats are making their political events more palatable to voters disaffected by or new to politics.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who is running for the state’s open Senate seat, hosted a watch party for Álvarez’s fight on Cinco de Mayo.

The DCCC effort is part of the group’s “P.O.W.E.R. The People” program, an eight-figure outreach and polling campaign for AANHPI, Black and Latino voters.