DCCC adds five candidates to 2026 ‘Red to Blue’ midterm roster

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added five candidates to its “Red to Blue” program on Tuesday, expanding its list of top recruits as Democrats work to reclaim the House majority in November.The additions, spanning Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, and Montana, bring the committee’s flagship program to 30 candidates in competitive districts across the country.“In less than 100 days, Democrats will take back the House majority and it will be powered by our incredible candidates such as the five named to Red to Blue today,” DCCC Chairwoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) said in a statement. “Whether in suburban, rural or redistricted seats, the American people have soured on Republicans’ broken promises and failure to lower costs. 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 rubber stamp for Donald Trump.” The “Red to Blue” program provides Democratic candidates in competitive races with financial support, strategic guidance, and additional campaign resources. Candidates qualify based on factors including fundraising, grassroots engagement, local support, and campaign organization.The committee added Arizona’s Amish Shah, Florida’s Pia Dandiya, Iowa’s Lindsay James, Minnesota’s Jake Johnson, and Montana’s Sam Forstag.In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Shah, an emergency room physician, will face Republican nominee Jay Feely, the Trump-endorsed former NFL kicker. The open seat became available after Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) left Congress to mount an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign. While Republicans maintain a voter registration advantage, Democrats believe the suburban Phoenix district has become more competitive in recent election cycles.Dandiya recently shifted her campaign to Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd District after initially running to challenge Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) in the 21st District. The Democratic primary for the 22nd District is scheduled for Aug. 18.In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James will face former Republican state Rep. Joe Mitchell for the open seat. Republicans have held the district since 2021, most recently through Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), who vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.Johnson, a high school math teacher, is challenging incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) in Minnesota’s 1st District. Johnson has argued that Finstad backed policies that have increased costs for families, pointing particularly to President Donald Trump‘s tariffs, which he says have driven up prices in the heavily agricultural district.A February 2026 poll conducted by a Democratic polling firm found Finstad with a 35% approval rating, while 38% of respondents disapproved of his job performance. In a hypothetical general election matchup, Finstad led Johnson 44% to 41%, with 15% of voters undecided.KALSHI TAKES ANOTHER SHOT AT POLLSTERS AND PUNDITS WITH ITS MIDTERM ELECTIONS HUBIn Montana’s open House race, Democrat Sam Forstag is seeking to flip a seat long held by Republicans. Although the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as likely Republican, Democrats see an opportunity after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) announced his retirement in March, citing health problems stemming from his service as a Navy SEAL.Republican nominee Aaron Flint won the GOP primary and will face Forstag in November. A Democratic victory would mark the first time in three decades that Montana has sent a Democrat to the House.