1st priority is to defend incumbents.
2nd priority is to compete in open seats.
3rd priority is to challenge opposing party incumbents.
In a bad cycle, you struggle to cover 1st priority. In a favorable cycle, can compete for open seats. And when things are setting up for a wave election, you can go challenge some incumbent opponents. So what does it say when we see a Dem organization spending zero money for red-state Gov race while stepping in to defending a blue state Gov race?
It doesn't scream blue wave….
NYT: The Democratic Governors Association has chosen to spend millions in the Oregon Governor Race
— OSZ (@OpenSourceZone) October 3, 2026
This comes as it’s directing 0 television advertising dollars to support Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa in Texas pic.twitter.com/ohILpm5Tya