Forced off the campaign trail by coronavirus, House candidates reach more voters than ever

Alyse Galvin used to host her town halls in coffee shops. Sometimes she hosted them in her garage. Other times, she says, she would bring out her RV, park it in front of senior centers and libraries, and hold town halls there.

But Galvin, an independent candidate for Congress in Alaska, never reached as many voters as she is now. Forced by COVID-19 off the physical campaign trail and onto Facebook, she now co-hosts her town halls with doctors and union leaders. 

“I’m finding more and more people are learning how to use these tools,” Galvin said. “We are connecting people to experts and to each other more than ever.”

The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everything about American life. Businesses are closed, people are home, and, for millions, the economic devastation has been life-altering. 

For those running for the House of Representatives, the health crisis posed unique problems. Campaigning is a handshake, kiss-the-baby business, and so is its lifeblood — fundraising. You can’t get out the vote if you can’t get out.

But interviews with candidates, strategists and fundraisers in recent days suggest that contenders in both parties are adjusting to the downturn with early signs of success. There are worries that the money will dry up, but it hasn’t yet. Voters, cooped up at home and worried about the future, are tuning in.

“What we are learning is that people are looking forward to distraction right now,” said Mike Garcia, a California Republican who is running in a special election for the House seat vacated by former Rep. Katie Hill. “People are paying attention.”

In lieu of in-person fundraisers that used to attract up to 100 people, Garcia said he’s now doing “flash fundraisers” by teleconference two to three times per day, with 10 to 30 people. The phone calls last less than an hour and bring in $10,000 to $40,000 each. 

“It has proven efficient,” he said.

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/03/coronavirus-is-forcing-house-candidates-off-the-trail-onto-facebook.html