Democratic Struggles: Navigating Primaries Amidst Republican Weakness
As the midterm elections loom, Democrats are plotting their return to power in the House, capitalizing on a Republican party that appears to be stumbling. However, they face an internal battlefield, with over a dozen contentious primaries across the nation revealing profound ideological rifts within their party.
The upcoming intraparty skirmishes will unfold across a spectrum of districts—from those with retiring incumbents in purple states to battlegrounds where Democrats aim to assert dominance, and even safe blue seats where the primary will effectively determine the victor. In a particularly telling example, rival interest groups are clashing in a central California district, further highlighting these divisions.
At the heart of these races are factional, ideological, and demographic disparities that have been simmering for years. The Democratic Party has increasingly morphed into a vehicle of opposition rather than a proactive force with a clear agenda. Now, these splits are coming to a head just as Democrats, buoyed by a recent off-cycle election victory, feel a surge of optimism about regaining control of the House—requiring a net gain of merely three seats. A path to retake the Senate exists too, though it appears notably steeper.
In contrast, Republicans, who have a storied history of contentious House primaries, find themselves in a relatively tranquil environment, allowing their candidates to amass resources while the Democrats engage in costly internecine battles.
The Democratic Party has long been wrestling with a younger faction eager to challenge the establishment, advocating for policies and tactics that often ruffle the feathers of mainstream politicians. These generational fissures were exacerbated by President Joe Biden’s premature exit from the presidential race last year, a decision that reverberates through the party.
Some Democrats are expressing trepidation over the number of primaries they are facing.
“The beauty of a democracy is that anyone can run. But sometimes the disaster of a democracy is, they do,” remarked Rep. Mike Thompson, who himself is facing a primary challenge from a younger Democrat in his California district. “We need to be focused. We need to ensure that we’re aiming to reclaim the majority, not squabbling among ourselves.”
Yet, some party members view the enthusiasm from newcomers as a beacon of hope for a party still reeling from significant losses last year.
“Regardless of the primary dynamics, Democrats share a collective mission to establish a Congress that prioritizes hardworking families over billionaires, who have been catered to under Republican governance,” stated Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the House Democrats’ campaign arm.
Others argue that these contested primaries could serve as a means to mend the party’s frayed relationship with voters. “We have a trust problem,” acknowledged Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.). “We must demonstrate that our fight is not mere theatrics, but rooted in an understanding of the genuine daily struggles of the people.”
Here’s a closer examination of some of the most heated primaries shaping up across the country:
The Open Seats
Arizona’s 1st District was already a prime target for Democrats, even before Republican incumbent David Schweikert announced his gubernatorial aspirations. Now, two familiar candidates are vying for attention, competing for the support of influential groups.
Marlene Galan-Woods enjoys backing from EMILY’s List and BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm, while Amish Shah is supported by the AAPI Victory Fund and ASPIRE PAC, which advocate for Asian-American candidates. Reports indicate that Democratic groups are actively scouting for additional candidates for this race.
A similar scenario is unfolding in Nebraska’s blue-leaning 2nd District, where GOP Rep. Don Bacon has decided against seeking reelection. BOLD PAC and EMILY’s List are rallying behind Denise Powell, while the Congressional Progressive Caucus has endorsed state Sen. John Cavanaugh for the Omaha seat.
The mudslinging has commenced, with concerns surfacing regarding Cavanaugh’s fundraising capabilities and voting record, potentially leaving him vulnerable to GOP attacks in a general election.
Following Rep. Jared Golden’s (D-Maine) abrupt retirement earlier this month, Democrats are scrambling to regroup in a district that President Trump carried by nine points last year.
Former Gov. Paul LePage has fended off any serious primary challenge on the Republican side, leaving Democrats to navigate a contest between one-time Golden challenger Matt Dunlap and former Senate candidate Jordan Wood, who has pivoted to this open district following Golden’s announcement.
Time is of the essence for any new entrants. Wood has transferred funds from his well-financed Senate campaign, while Dunlap maintains a head start in the progressive lane, leaving little room for newcomers.
The Pickup Opportunities
Democrats aiming to unseat Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s 7th District are embroiled in a chaotic five-way primary. This Lehigh Valley seat has switched parties four times in the past two decades and was among the closest House races last year, with Mackenzie narrowly securing victory for the GOP.
Firefighter union leader Bob Brooks has garnered support across the party spectrum, receiving endorsements from progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), as well as Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and numerous unions. Meanwhile, Carol Obando-Derstine has the backing of the district’s last Democratic representative, moderate Susan Wild, alongside endorsements from EMILY’s List and BOLD PAC.
Yet both candidates face competition from Ryan Crosswell, a former Republican who resigned from the Department of Justice as a result of Trump’s demand to drop a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Crosswell has garnered support from VoteVets and New Politics, which back veteran candidates.
Gov. Josh Shapiro could play a pivotal role, with the popular Democratic governor expected to support Brooks.
In California’s San Joaquin Valley, Democrats are also facing a primary headache for the seat currently held by GOP Rep. David Valadao. Although the district has become bluer due to a new voter-approved map, it has fluctuated between parties in recent years. Visalia school board trustee Randy Villegas commands support from the party’s left wing, including endorsements from Sanders, the Progressive Caucus PAC, and BOLD PAC. Conversely, Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains has amassed a considerable array of endorsements from current state and federal lawmakers, along with organized labor groups and EMILY’s List.
“Election Night 2025 was a clean sweep for EMILY’s List women, clearly indicating that the path to flipping the House in 2026 involves electing bold women leaders,” declared EMILY’s List President Jessica Mackler.
Even in western Montana, there’s quiet unease regarding a looming primary for the seat currently held by GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke. Democrats are optimistic about flipping a district that Trump won by a significant margin last year, but party leaders have expressed private concerns about the past lobbying work done by Sam Forstag, a smoke jumper contemplating entering the three-person race, particularly regarding issues like sanctuary cities and transgender rights.
The Comeback Bid
Should the ongoing national redistricting process continue, it could further complicate at least one primary landscape.
Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District has switched between parties four times in the last two decades and stands to become more favorable for Democrats if redistricting occurs. Former Rep. Elaine Luria is attempting a comeback, but Navy reservist James Osyf is already in the race, boasting impressive fundraising numbers.
“We’re in the midst of redistricting, and everyone anticipates significant changes to the 2nd District,” noted Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), who represents a neighboring district.
