Rising Stars Seize the DNC Limelight: What to Know in Washington

A handful of ambitious Democrats are trying to use the convention stage in Chicago to turn themselves into household names. But first, you should know:

• Kamala Harris headlines the DNC‘s finale tonight in Chicago.
• The Tim Walz era has been good or bad for Minnesota’s economy, depending on whom you ask.
• Gov. Josh Shapiro said carrying Pennsylvania will hinge on courting voters’ economic anxiety.

Democrats’ Rising Stars Seize DNC Limelight

Democrats’ national convention spotlight will be on Kamala Harris tonight, but several rising party stars are taking full advantage of it in the meantime.

Up-and-comers spent the week seizing moments in front of activists and big-time donors to showcase their abilities and craft a brand to carry into their own runs for higher office.

The diverse group spans demographics, ideology, and geography, reflecting the sprawling parts of the often unruly Democratic Party.

Among them:

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the state’s first Black governor, used Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse as the through-line of his speech to the Georgia delegation Wednesday morning, relaying how Harris got on the phone and told him, “we are going to be with you every step of the way.”

Allies believe he could eventually make those calls from Washington himself.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke to the Georgia delegation Tuesday, when the convention’s host governor acknowledged when he first ran for office in 2017, “the Democratic party was not exactly crying out for a white, Ukrainian-American, Jewish, billionaire.”

The self-deprecating line downplayed a list of progressive accomplishments, like becoming the state’s longest-serving Democratic governor when his term ends.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, or “Big Gretch,” has the talent for a nationwide run, according to many Democrats.

She attributed her success in Michigan to showing up in places many Democrats write off, making them “a little less red.” That’s key to winning in Michigan and nationwide.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Harris’ veep runner-up, remains the most popular politician in the most critical swing state, and got his turn on the big stage Wednesday night.

Shapiro’s deft political acumen was on display during a Bloomberg roundtable, where he expertly broke down his state’s contrasting political facets, while emphasizing his accomplishments and record-breaking vote tallies.

Read More for the full list.

Photo Illustration: Jonathan Hurtarte/Bloomberg Government; Photos: Getty Images

BGOV at the DNC: BGOV’s Congress Tracker crew is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Congress Tracker subscribers can stay on top of the event via a special edition Convention Tracker newsletter publishing all week. Read More

And send your tips to BGOV’s Maeve Sheehey ( msheehey@bloombergindustry.com ), Jonathan Tamari ( jtamari@bloombergindustry.com ), and Angela Greiling Keane ( agreilingkeane@bloombergindustry.com ).

Walz’s Progressivism Sparks Economic Debate

There’s disagreement in Minnesota over whether Gov.-turned-veep nominee Tim Walz benefited the state with his economic policies — the issue voters across the US say they care about most.

Since 2022, the governor and Democrats passed free breakfasts and lunches for students, approved paid family and medical leave, made the largest single investment in public education in state history, passed a $2.6 billion infrastructure law, enacted the largest child tax credit in the US and channeled $1 billion into new housing and down-payment help.

Business groups and Republicans say his increased spending, stricter regulations and higher taxes targeting the wealthy and companies discourage investment and hinder growth. Unions and supporters say Walz’s progressive policies make Minnesota a better place to live and work. That battle will take center stage as Republicans and Democrats compete to define Walz between now and Election Day, and mirrors the national narrative already taking shape.

Donald Trump accuses Kamala Harris of backing liberal policies that’ll wreck the economy, while Harris says she’s aiming to boost the poor and middle class. The debate over taxes and regulations highlights the trade-offs between economic growth and quality-of-life improvements, St. Catherine University economics professor Lacey Chu said. Read More

Harris Beats Biden by Donors in 11 Days

Harris drew more than 2.4 million donors in her first 11 days at the top of the Democratic ticket — nearly 200,000 more contributors than during President Joe Biden’s entire year-plus long campaign.

The surge in donors resulted in $201 million in individual contributions for her campaign and the Democratic Party over that period, according to the latest Federal Election Commission data.

The data provides early clues on where a Harris shakeup is resonating with voters after she broke the single-day fundraising record on July 21, when she replaced Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

In Georgia, 72% of donors to Harris and the Democratic National Committee were first-time contributors, one of the largest showings of newfound support. Read More

Editor’s Picks

Harris’ Housing, Newborn Tax Break Plans Diverge From Biden’s

White House hopeful Kamala Harris’ tax proposals are hewing closely to those from President Joe Biden, with a few key differences.

Harris Planning Bold Action on Climate Change, Adviser Says

US Vice President Kamala Harris is committed to “bold action” on climate change, an adviser to the presidential candidate said at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday.

Shapiro Sees ‘Close’ Pennsylvania Finish With Economy in Focus

Governor Josh Shapiro predicted the race in his home state of Pennsylvania — a key presidential battleground — would hinge on the ability of his party’s nominee, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, to address the economic anxieties of voters.

Democrats Gain Hope in Iowa With Harris-Walz Jolt, Vilsack Says

The last-minute presidential campaign of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz is giving Democrats a surge of enthusiasm that could help the party win some down-ballot races in the Republican stronghold of Iowa, said Tom Vilsack, a former governor of the farm state.

Walz Offers Democrats Pep Talk on Freedom, Jabs Trump With Smile

Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz wrapped himself in football and freedom on Wednesday, as Democrats used the third night of their convention to offer an open hand to the swing voters outside the country’s coasts.

What Else We’re Reading

Penny Pritzker Sees Harris White House as Corporate America Ally

Penny Pritzker predicts Vice President Kamala Harris would collaborate with US corporations if elected president, a potential boon for technology, energy and finance sectors that have struggled to find allies in the Democratic Party in recent years.

Harris Supports Policies to Expand Crypto Industry, Aide Says

Vice President Kamala Harris will back measures to help grow digital assets, a policy adviser to her campaign said, highlighting efforts to court an emerging cryptocurrency industry expanding its political influence.

Chicago Cops Arrest More Than 50 After Clash at DNC Protest

Chicago police made their first large arrest during this week’s gathering of Democratic leaders after Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with cops at a march that started just outside the Israeli Consulate.

Trump Says It’s Hard to Talk Policy With Obamas Attacking Him

Donald Trump said he’d like to focus on policy — as his allies are urging him to do — but can’t when Barack and Michelle Obama are delivering scathing critiques of him on prime-time television.

Republican Prods TSA on Watch List for 2021 Trump Rally-Goers

A top Senate Republican is demanding answers on whether the Transportation Security Administration used watch lists to target people based on their political views, an allegation the agency has denied.

Democratic Leaders Have Just Days to Replace Pascrell on Ballot

The US House seat of 14-term New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell will remain vacant for the rest of the 118th Congress.

House Republicans Press Biden Administration on Havana Syndrome

The issue is a delicate one for President Joe Biden’s administration given that some diplomats—and a bipartisan group of senators—have argued his team was dismissive of claims relating to a number of anomalous health incidents.

Illinois Ballot Counting Law Withstands GOP Congressman’s Suit

An Illinois law allowing election ballots to be counted up to two weeks after Election Day will remain in force, after a split federal appellate panel ruled Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and his co-plaintiffs do not have standing to bring a case.

Texas Asks Supreme Court to Steer Clear of Biden Abortion Appeal

Texas officials are balking at the Biden administration for trying to get the Supreme Court to impose federal abortion policy over state law, urging the justices to stay out of a legal battle between the state and US government.

Recruits With Negligible HIV Loads May Be Admitted Into Military

HIV-positive recruits with undetectable viral loads can’t be prevented from joining the military, a federal court said.

Google, California Lawmaker Reach Deal on Journalism Fund

A deal announced Wednesday would have tech companies like Google and the state of California commit about $250 million over the next five years to state newsrooms and an artificial intelligence project. However, it hasn’t won full approval from the state Legislature.

To contact the reporters on this story: Giuseppe Macri in Washington at gmacri@bgov.com; Brandon Lee in Washington at blee@bgov.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Katrice Eborn at keborn@bgov.com