A new political organization, simply called The Bench, is quietly assembling a team of candidates poised to reshape the Democratic Party from the ground up. Launched by seasoned campaign strategists, its core mission is to cultivate a fresh generation of leaders, individuals they believe represent the future of the party.
This initiative arrives at a critical juncture. Democrats are battling to regain control of the House and Senate in upcoming elections, facing historically low approval ratings and a challenging political climate. The party currently out of power typically encounters significant headwinds during midterm elections, a reality underscored by persistent economic concerns.
The Bench argues that their chosen candidates offer a path to revitalization, capable of repairing the party’s image and connecting with voters in a meaningful way. They aim to provide these individuals with the resources and strategic support needed to run impactful, solutions-oriented campaigns.
The group has already begun building its roster, focusing on a diverse slate of contenders. Among those receiving support are Mallory McMorrow, a state senator from Michigan; James Talarico, a Texas lawmaker and seminarian; and Josh Turek, an Iowa representative and Paralympian athlete.
The Bench’s reach extends to a dozen House races across the country, backing candidates like Jamie Ager in North Carolina, Shannon Bird in Colorado, and Bob Brooks in Pennsylvania. These individuals represent a broad spectrum of districts and perspectives.
Adding to the list are Cait Conley of New York, Mike Cortese of Tennessee, Sam Forstag of Montana, and Sarah Trone Garriott of Iowa. The group is also supporting Matt Maasdam in Michigan, Darren McAuley in Florida, Denise Blaya Powell in Nebraska, and Bobby Pulidio in Texas.
This week, the organization endorsed Nancy Lacore in South Carolina. A decorated 35-year military veteran, Lacore served as a Navy helicopter pilot and later led the Navy Reserve, a force of 60,000 personnel. Her distinguished career took an unexpected turn last year when she was removed from her post.
What unites these candidates isn’t a rigid ideology, but a shared willingness to challenge conventional Democratic approaches. The Bench believes they are prepared to engage in honest dialogue with their communities and compete in areas where the party has often conceded defeat.
However, the effort isn’t going unnoticed by opponents. Republican strategists dismiss the candidates as too radical and out of touch with working-class voters, characterizing the Democratic Party as fundamentally broken and unable to address the nation’s challenges.
The Bench’s success will hinge on whether these candidates can overcome the prevailing political headwinds and resonate with voters seeking a new direction. Their campaigns represent a bold attempt to redefine the Democratic Party and reclaim lost ground.
