The Democratic Party’s main campaign organization for the House has expanded its list of critical seats to either capture or protect as the midterm elections approach. This marks the first extension in their targeted efforts this election cycle.
On Monday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) refreshed its “Red to Blue” initiative, incorporating additional seats from across the country. This new lineup features a diverse array of candidates, including Grammy Award recipients, sheriffs, and firefighters.
“As Americans turn away from House Republicans’ harmful, inflation-driving policies, House Democrats are gaining momentum to reclaim the majority,” stated DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene in a press release.
DelBene further commented, “These new entrants to our Red to Blue initiative exemplify the power of our people-centric agenda and the wide-reaching appeal of our leading candidates. These candidates are poised for victory due to their genuine, independent-minded leadership and deep ties to their communities.”
The roster of Democrats newly embraced by the “Red to Blue” campaign, which debuted in February, includes Marlene Galan-Woods (Ariz.-1), Jasmeet Bains (Calif.-22), Jessica Killin (Colo.-5), Joe Baldacci (Maine-2), Bob Harvie (Pa.-1), Bob Brooks (Pa.-07), Bobby Pulido (Texas-15), and Johnny Garcia (Texas-35).
This strategic update follows closely behind a similar move by the DCCC’s counterpart, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which recently revised its “MAGA Majority” initiative.
Both programs include both defensible seats held by retiring reps as well as fliappable ones.
In the new “Red To Blue” program list, for example, Democrats have added Baldacci, who is running for a seat held by retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine).
But that district went for President Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris, 53.8% to 44.2%, illustrating how it typically leans red, despite Democrats currently holding its congressional seat.
Most of the newcomers to the list are vying for seats held by Republicans.
For example, the DCCC added Harvie, who is vying against centrist Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.
Fitzpatrick is the GOP co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers’ Caucus and has been a voice of moderation within the House Republican Conference.
The expanded list brings the program’s roster from 12 to 20. Democrats included in the “Red to Blue” program will get critical resources from the DCCC, such as training, fundraising assistance, guidance, and more.
It marks a display of confidence from top party brass in the selected candidates who are running in competitive races.
To earn a spot on the list, the selected Democrats have to hit grassroots engagement and fundraising goals.
Democrats are generally favored to win the House in the November elections. Historically, the party in control of the White House has lost seats in all but two elections since 1938.
The Dems are besting Republicans on the generic congressional ballot by 5.7 percentage points, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregate.
