DCCC Backs Five New Candidates in Competitive Districts

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is focusing on five key candidates ahead of the November midterm elections. This action is part of a strategic move less than 100 days from the elections. The aim is to strengthen their presence in districts viewed as potentially winnable.

Republicans have recently gained attention with victories by candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). This has led to political shifts, impacting the dynamics for several incumbent House Democrats. The DCCC continues its efforts to support and expand its influence by targeting specific districts, indicating their confidence in gaining ground as both parties vie for Congress amid the later phase of President Donald Trump’s final term.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently addressed the media on Capitol Hill in June 2026. In this context, five candidates have been spotlighted by the DCCC: physician Amish Shah in Arizona’s 1st congressional district, former principal Pia Dandiya in Florida’s 22nd congressional district, former chaplain Lindsay James in Iowa’s 2nd congressional district, union leader Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s 1st congressional district, and firefighter Sam Forstag in Montana’s 1st congressional district.

These districts include one currently represented by a House Republican running for re-election, Rep. Brad Finstad, R-Minn. Additionally, there are three open seats previously held by Republicans: Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., who lost the gubernatorial primary, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, now a U.S. Senate candidate, and Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., who is retiring.

The Florida district, presently under Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., has been redrawn to enhance Republican competitiveness. Frankel seeks election in the nearby 23rd district. This district is part of the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” program, seeking to empower competitive candidates with financial support and resources.

DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene highlighted, “Whether in suburban, rural, or redistricted seats, the American people are dissatisfied with Republicans’ unfulfilled promises to lower costs.” She mentioned public discontent with rising prices and foreign conflicts, emphasizing voters’ desire for change and leadership not aligned with Trump.

As midterms approach, Republicans are preparing extensive campaigns across the nation with the goal of overturning the tendency for the president’s party to face congressional losses during midterm elections. They point to DSA wins in Colorado and New York, asserting the Democratic Party’s perceived drift towards greater radicalism. Democratic leaders counter these claims by criticizing Republicans for inaction on everyday cost reductions.

Elizabeth Elkind, a Fox News Digital politics reporter, covers the House of Representatives. Her previous work appeared at Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or contact her at [email protected] for tips.