The official House Democratic campaign arm has added eight new seats to its target list of battleground seats to flip and defend ahead of the midterm elections, marking the first expansion of the cycle.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) updated its “Red to Blue” plan Monday, adding new seats from coast to coast and candidates ranging from Grammy Award winners to sheriffs and firefighters.
“As the American people reject House Republicans’ costly agenda, House Democrats have the momentum to take back the majority,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement.
“These latest additions to our Red to Blue program represent the strength of our original message to people and the broader appeal of our elite recruits,” added DelBene. “These candidates will win because they are honest, independent leaders who focus on their communities.”
Democrats added to the “Red to Blue” plan, which was first unveiled in February, include: Marlene Galan-Woods (Ariz.-1), Jasmeet Bains (Calif.-22), Jessica Killin (Col-5), Joe Baldacci (Maine-2), Bob Harvie (Pa.-1), Bob Brooks (Pabby-Garny) and John Pudo (Pa. (Texas-35).
The move comes a week after the DCCC’s counterpart, the National Republican Congress Committee (NRCC), released an update to its “MAGA Majority” plan.
Both programs feature reserved seats held by retiring and vacant reps.
In the new list of the program “Red To Blue”, for example, the Democrats added Baldacci, who is running for the seat held by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) remains.
But that district went to President Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris, 53.8% to 44.2%, showing how it tends to lean red, even though Democrats hold onto their congressional seat.
Most of the new entrants are vying for seats held by Republicans.
For example, the DCCC added Harvey, who is running against centrist Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) in Pennsylvania’s first 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 extended list brings the program list from 12 to 20. Democrats enrolled in the “Red to Blue” program will receive valuable resources from the DCCC, such as training, fundraising assistance, guidance, and more.
It marks a show of confidence from the elite group in selected candidates running in competitive races.
To earn a spot on the list, elected Democrats must meet minimum fundraising and fundraising goals.
Democrats are generally favored to win the House in the November elections. Historically, the party holding the White House has lost seats in all but two elections since 1938.
Dems are outpacing Republicans in the general congressional vote by 5.7 percentage points, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling composite.
