July 17, 2024
Every August, Congressional members leave Washington, D.C., and return to their home districts and states for over a month. This time away from Capitol Hill allows lawmakers and staff to reconnect with their constituents at town hall meetings, fundraisers, and other community events. Often, the most authentic, meaningful engagements happen when members are back home, allowing individual voters and stakeholder groups to highlight the hyper-local impact of policy decisions made in Washington.
During this particularly politically polarizing election year, with polls across the country showing razor thin margins up and the down the ballot, candidates at all levels are competing for each and every vote unlike we have never seen before. Next month’s recess presents an unprecedented opportunity to help set the table for the 2025 legislation session and beyond, as well as influence what promises to be a high-stakes lame duck session to end 2024.
Whether you represent a corporate, trade, or non-profit organization, weigh the following considerations as you shape your engagement strategy heading into this year’s August recess.
- High-Stakes Presidential Race: The 2024 presidential election is in full swing, influencing not only the race for the White House and future executive power, but also down ballot votes that could make up both chambers of Congress. Vulnerable policymakers in critical swing districts are more open to addressing immediate voter needs instead of defaulting to following in line with their parties.
- Crucial Senate Races: With 34 Senate seats up for grabs, including key in battleground states, the balance of power in the Senate could shift dramatically, impacting upcoming industry-related omnibus bills and other sweeping legislative reforms. Swing states like Montana, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin will be pivotal. Senator J.D. Vance’s (R-OH) potential Vice-Presidential win would open up another crucial seat that could affect the balance of power in the Senate.
- Total House Impact: All 435 House seats are up for reelection. Swing districts in states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia will be hotly contested. With razor-thin majorities, even the smallest shift could alter control or maintain the status quo of current party dynamics. This could enable new legislative opportunities or present roadblocks from lawmakers in power.
- Critical Timing: With both chambers in recess from August 5th to September 6th and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled for August 19th to 22nd in Chicago, organizations must strategically and proactively plan their local engagements. With Democrats and Republicans alike utilizing this time to fundraise for themselves and other candidates as well as their parties, local connectivity, precision, flexibility, and opportunism will be crucial to making an impact.
At LSG, we work with our clients to engage proactively, decisively, and strategically to elevate their priorities in a meaningful, impactful way during the August recess—shaping the political landscape and creating champions.
Please contact Emily Grimm or Kunal Khosla to learn more.