WASHINGTON — In a strategic move reflecting optimism, the House Republicans’ campaign division has broadened its 2026 midterm ambitions by designating eight additional seats as key targets. This initiative demonstrates their belief in not only maintaining but strengthening their slim lead in the House of Representatives.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched its “MAGA Majority” initiative on Monday, expanding its focus to include districts in the Midwest and Far West as they eye both retention and potential new gains.
The NRCC is backing several GOP hopefuls, including Jim Desmond from California’s 48th district, Aaron Flint in Montana’s 1st, Brinker Harder representing Nebraska’s 2nd, Greg Cunningham for New Mexico’s 2nd, Carrie Buck and Marty O’Donnell for Nevada’s 1st and 3rd districts respectively, Eric Conroy in Ohio’s 1st, and John Braun in Washington’s 3rd district.
“House Republicans are taking the offensive, and our latest round of MAGA Majority candidates underscores our relentless momentum,” remarked NRCC Chairman Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) to The Post.
“These candidates are seasoned leaders who resonate with their communities and are poised to challenge vulnerable Democrats,” Hudson further commented. “By placing the right contenders in key races early on, we’re broadening our strategic reach and increasing the number of seats in contention for 2026.”
Overall, the “MAGA Majority” program aims at 17 seats to either defend or capture, whereas the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is rallying behind 12 candidates listed in their “Red to Blue” effort, as they strive to reclaim the House majority after being out of power for four years.
While the DCCC is focusing exclusively on Republican-held seats, the updated NRCC list includes three districts represented by retiring GOP lawmakers — California’s 48th District (Darrell Issa), Montana’s First District (Ryan Zinke) and Nebraska’s Second District (Don Bacon).
The other five seats have long been coveted by House Republican campaigners, particularly Washington state’s Third District, repped by moderate Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez since January 2023.
Both the NRCC and DCCC have separate lists of vulnerable incumbents they intend to defend in November.
Since 1938, the party in control of the White House has lost House seats in all but two midterm election cycles — 1998 and 2002.
Republican hopes of keeping the House were dealt a major blow last week when Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum that could cost the GOP up to four seats.
In response, Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session this week to consider redrawing the Sunshine State’s congressional map to boost Republicans.
One major silver lining for the NRCC is its fundraising advantage, with $78.2 million cash on hand compared to the DCCC’s roughly $70 million, per the most recent filings.
