9 sources·Politics

Democrats Target Safe GOP Seats in Ambitious 2026 Midterm Strategy

The DCCC expands its target list for 2026 to include secure Republican seats, reflecting confidence amid recent special election successes.

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Republicans currently control the House – when the chamber returns to full strength – with a fragile 220-215 majority, and fundraising will be crucial to the GOP's game-plan to keep control.
Trump hauls in millions for House GOP 2026 war chest as Dems taunt they are 'running scared'
FOX News·11d
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Democrats also view over-performances ins special elections as a sign that their party is seeing the midterm enthusiasm typically enjoyed by the party out of power.
Axios
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While state Republicans are committed to advancing a solid policy agenda aimed at boosting America’s prosperity, Democrats continue to insult the American people by calling them uninformed.
EXCLUSIVE: GOP Group Unveils New Video Blasting Dems’ ‘Master Plan’ To Win Back Voters
Daily Caller·11d
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The list reflects an optimistic Democratic party that is hoping to capitalize on the base's frustration with Trump, demonstrated in part by nationwide protests on Saturday.
Democrats target 35 House Republicans from swing states, red districts
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House Democrats are setting their sights on some districts President Donald Trump won handily in November as they lay out their top targets as they look to take back the House next year.
House Democrats lay out their targets for 2026 battle
NBC News·11d
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House Democrats say the political environment is favorable for them going into 2026, pointing to the negative impacts of President Trump’s recently announced tariffs, the unpopularity of Elon Musk and potential cuts to Medicaid.
House Democrats targeting 35 Republicans in 2026
The Hill·11d
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Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reclaim control due to the GOP’s razor-thin margins, and the party is hoping to capitalize on what it predicts will be plummeting public support for Republicans after two years in a trifecta.
House Democrats' campaign arm unveils 35 districts 'in play' for 2026
Washington Examiner·11d
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Democrats are once again seeking to oust longtime targets such as GOP Reps. David Valadao of California, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Don Bacon of Nebraska.
House Democrats unveil 35 Republican targets for 2026 midterms
Roll Call·11d
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Updated: Apr 8th, 2025, 2:39 PM ET

Summary

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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has announced a revised target list for the 2026 midterm elections, now comprising 35 Republican-held seats they aim to contest. This expanded list includes candidates considered to have safe reelection chances, like Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), demonstrating confidence among Democrats following favorable results in recent special elections. The DCCC's strategy is motivated by signs of decreasing support for Republicans on economic and healthcare issues, with the goal of flipping enough seats to regain House control. Republicans, however, dispute the viability of the targets.

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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has identified 35 Republican-held House districts as targets for the 2026 elections, reflecting confidence in their ability to flip control by appealing to voter dissatisfaction with current GOP leadership.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene argues that Republicans are losing constituents' trust due to economic mismanagement and unpopular policy decisions, notably regarding social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, setting the stage for Democratic gains.
Recent election trends and special elections show Democrats gaining momentum, positioning them to capitalize on historical midterm election dynamics, while Republicans prepare to defend their slim majority against aggressive Democratic challenges.

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