WASHINGTON — House Democrats are broadening their list of Republican-held seats they hope to capture, signaling confidence in their chances less than a month before the midterm elections.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added six candidates to its “Red to Blue” program, bringing the total number of participants to 46 and promising the newcomers additional support and resources.
The new candidates are Chris Jones in Arizona’s 2nd District, Dwayne Romero in Colorado’s 3rd District, Eliott Rodriguez in Florida’s 27th District, Teresa Benitez-Thompson in Nevada’s 2nd District, Blake Gendebien in New York’s 21st District and Justin Pearson in Tennessee’s 9th District.
“The candidates added to our Red to Blue program today are winning over voters with their message of lowering costs — from gas and groceries to health care and housing,” DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat, said in a statement.
“At a time when so many families are struggling to pay the bills, Americans deserve representatives who will actually fight to make their lives better.”
Candidates entering the “Red to Blue” program receive fundraising assistance, strategic guidance, training and additional staff support.
The latest expansion follows the DCCC’s announcement last week that it was adding eight seats to its offensive target list, which it calls “Districts in Play.”
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The districts Democrats identified were rated either “solid Republican” or “likely Republican” by the Cook Political Report.
“Democrats can slap a ‘battleground’ label on any district they want, but wishful thinking doesn’t change the fundamentals of the House map,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Mike Marinella previously told The Post in response to the DCCC’s “Districts in Play” additions.
“While they chase imaginary fairytales and get dragged left by their socialist nominees, House Republicans are outraising, outspending, and outworking Democrats where the majority will actually be won.”
The moves come as Democrats seek to project optimism about their prospects for winning control of the House.
Republicans, however, hold a substantial financial advantage that can help them target vulnerable seats and support their candidates.
The National Republican Congressional Committee had $89 million in cash on hand, compared with $76 million for the DCCC, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings.
The advantage extends to the parties’ broader campaign organizations. The NRCC reported $125 million in its coffers, while the Democratic National Committee had $16.9 million in cash on hand and $17.6 million in debt, according to the latest FEC disclosures.
Democrats nevertheless held an 8.5-percentage-point advantage over Republicans in the generic congressional ballot, based on the latest RealClearPolitics polling average.
