With under 100 days until the November midterm elections, House Democrats are enhancing support for five new candidates. Republicans, meanwhile, are capitalizing on a series of wins by candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a far-left party that has managed to unseat at least three incumbent House Democrats.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) continues to expand by endorsing party hopefuls in five districts that appear attainable. This move signals confidence as both parties vie for control of Congress during the final months of President Donald Trump’s term.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks at a Capitol Hill press event in June 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The five candidates include physician Amish Shah in Arizona’s 1st congressional district, former high school principal Pia Dandiya in Florida’s 22nd congressional district, former chaplain Lindsay James in Iowa’s 2nd congressional district, math teacher and union leader Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s 1st congressional district, and firefighter Sam Forstag in Montana’s 1st congressional district.
One of these districts currently has Republican representation by Rep. Brad Finstad, who is running for reelection. Three districts, represented by House Republicans, are open seats: Rep. David Schweikert, who lost a GOP gubernatorial primary in Arizona, Rep. Ashley Hinson, currently pursuing a U.S. Senate seat, and Rep. Ryan Zinke, who is retiring.
Florida’s district redistricting has created a competitive landscape for Republicans although currently represented by Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., who will run in the adjacent 23rd district. This effort is part of the DCCC’s ‘Red to Blue’ initiative focused on supporting competitive Democratic candidates with finances and resources.
“Whether in suburban, rural, or redistricted seats, the American people have soured on Republicans’ broken promises and failure to lower costs,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., stated. “Voters are outraged by higher prices on everything and a war of choice spiraling out of control. They are eager for change and new leaders who will fight for them, not be a rubberstamp for Donald Trump.”
In August, Republican leaders will travel across the country aiming to shift longstanding political trends and maintain their grip on the House. Historical patterns indicate the president’s party often experiences substantial congressional losses during midterms.
Recent DSA victories in Colorado and New York are cited by Republicans as signs the Democratic Party is moving towards extremism. House Democratic leaders, however, dismiss accusations of an internal conflict, countering that Republicans have failed to alleviate living costs.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter at Fox News Digital, covering the House of Representatives. Her work has appeared at Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].
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