Abortion rights advocates could influence voter turnout and outcome in close Senate and House races as well as important state legislative races, even in states where the practice is legal.
The public has made it apparent that they are not overly thrilled about another presidential matchup between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden this autumn.
Nonetheless, they are concerned about abortion laws, which experts predict could ultimately determine not only the outcome of the presidential contest but also congressional campaigns.
This past week, Florida emerged as the third state to hold a referendum concerning abortion. A yes vote on the ballot initiative might not only overturn the Sunshine State’s recently upheld six-week abortion ban, but it might also encourage voters who might not otherwise be inclined to cast ballots.
And that, Biden-Harris operatives believe, takes the delegate-rich state of Florida from a Democratic fantasy to a genuine – if still Republican-friendly – battleground for both the presidential race and the seat now held by GOP Sen. Rick Scott.
Abortion is a contentious issue that may influence voters’ decisions in close Senate and House races as well as important state legislative elections, even in states where it is currently legal.
AdImpact data indicates that following the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the right to an abortion, abortion ranked as the most frequently discussed topic in political advertisements in 2022 and 2023.
Additionally, campaigns running for seats throughout the political spectrum are already focusing heavily on reproductive rights.
“Everything that makes abortion rights more prominent in this cycle is important,” states Jill Habig, a former advisor to California Attorney General Kamala Harris and the founder and president of the nonprofit civil rights organization Public Rights Project.
“We now know that every time abortion has been on the ballot in two consecutive election cycles and every special election thus far, people have voted in favor of abortion rights.”
