Congressional Democrats in tight reelection bids skip Harris, party's nominating convention

Several congressional Democrats facing tight reelection bids, particularly those in tossup or GOP-leaning states or House districts, are skipping the party's nominating convention in Chicago this week.

Montana Sen. Jon Tester has not yet endorsed Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and he was the red state’s only delegate to withhold a vote backing Harris, according to Montana Public Radio.

Instead of attending the Democratic National Convention, Tester will hold a fundraiser, farm and campaign for his reelection, according to the Montana Free Press. 

Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen told The New York Times that she would be campaigning for her reelection this week and needed to be close to her home state.

Tester, Brown and Rosen are three of the six Senate Democrats most vulnerable to losing reelection, according the the news outlet Roll Call. 

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, declined to join the virtual vote to nominate Harris, the Bangor Daily News reported. He also wouldn’t say who he’s voting for in November.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, told CNN he rarely attends conventions, but he has attended each convention during his time in Congress, according to The Hill newspaper.

New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich told Scripps News he has commitments that conflict with the convention.

The House GOP campaign arm is including Rep Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo., in a billboard outside the DNC this week, which shows photos of Democrats who aren’t attending the DNC along with the caption, “Have You Seen Me?,” The Hill also reports.

Wildfires in Oregon are preventing Democratic Rep. Val Hoyle from attending.

Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola will be focusing on her primary Tuesday in the heavily Republican state, and Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, is focusing on her campaign this week, also according to The Hill.