(The Center Square) – Whether the top of the ballot in November’s election helps or hurts down-ballot candidates depends on who you ask.
November is expected to be a rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden.
Trump is expected to get the Republican nomination in Milwaukee this week. Biden’s future as the Democratic Party’s nominee is in question, though he has been adamant he will remain in the race until someone convinces him he has zero chance of beating Trump.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been in support of Biden despite some Democrats saying he needs to step aside. He doesn’t expect the confusion to impact down-ballot Democrats.
“I actually am a believer in, I think you’ve seen this about the way that I run for office, I believe that people who are down-ballot actually lift people up who are on top of the ballot,” Pritzker said. “After they vote for the person that they know best, their community member for office, they’re gonna work their way up the ballot voting for Democrats so that’s gonna help Joe Biden.”
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, sees it the other way around.
“You’re seeing more and more folks moving to the Trump side of the vote which would then help down the ballot,” Cabello told The Center Square.
Illinois does have a unique dynamic with urban areas versus more suburban and rural areas, he said.
“Trump is definitely going to help people outside of the populated areas of Chicago and in towards your neck of the woods down by St. Louis,” Cabello said.
Cabello said Democrats have hurt themselves by going far left with their policies. Pritzker said voters will reject Trump over issues like abortion.
Cabello will be in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention as a delegate for Trump. The Democratic National Convention starts Aug. 19 in Chicago.
The election is Nov. 5.