Democratic congressional candidates including Paige Cognetti in Pennsylvania and Jake Johnson in Minnesota are emphasizing independence from party leadership as they seek support in areas favorable to Republicans, according to Axios and washingtonsun.com.
Cognetti held a meet-and-greet at a brewery in East Stroudsburg on Sunday, her fourth such event, and told about two dozen potential voters that reform would require challenging both parties. Her campaign sign used the phrase “Paige Against the Machine.” Johnson told Axios he would speak out when he believed actions by either party were wrong.
Axios reported that candidates in Republican-leaning districts are trying to distinguish themselves from Democratic leaders. It said their approach could add to tensions in a potential Democratic House majority alongside outspoken left-wing members.