House Democrats Identify Top Battleground Incumbents to Defend in 2026
House Democrats are gearing up for the 2026 midterm elections by unveiling their list of top battleground incumbents to defend. This list provides a glimpse into how the party is strategizing for the upcoming elections, particularly in districts where Latino voters have shown a shift in political preferences.
The 26-member “frontline” list, shared exclusively with POLITICO, largely mirrors the districts where Democrats faced challenges in the previous election cycle. However, there are notable new additions to reflect the changing dynamics in majority-Latino congressional districts, especially in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s influence.
Representatives Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez from Texas, whose South Texas districts have seen a significant shift toward Trump, are among the newly added frontline members. Additionally, Rep. Dina Titus from Nevada, along with Rep. Nellie Pou from North Jersey, are included in the list due to changes in their once-safe districts.
Despite potential warning signs indicating a broader shift among Latino voters away from Democrats, the party remains optimistic about its chances of securing the majority in the upcoming elections.
DCCC chair Suzan DelBene expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the majority in 2026, citing the focus on addressing the cost of living and countering Republican policies that could further increase costs for Americans.
The DCCC’s frontline list is crucial for lawmakers vying for resources and support, as inclusion can lead to increased fundraising opportunities and visibility. With a limited number of competitive congressional seats, the list plays a significant role in determining where party resources will be allocated.
Trump’s success in the previous election has reshaped the political landscape, with 13 Democrats now representing seats won by Trump in 2024. This poses a challenge for Democrats as they not only need to flip a few seats to regain the majority but also have to defend multiple vulnerable seats.
Recently flipped seats in California and New York, held by Representatives George Whitesides, Derek Tran, Laura Gillen, and Josh Riley, have also been added to the frontline list.
On the other hand, some midwestern Democrats have been removed from the list following their decisive victories in the last election cycle. Representatives like Angie Craig, Eric Sorensen, Nikki Budzinski, and Hillary Scholten have been taken off the list after securing their seats.
Full List of Lawmakers on the Frontline:
- Josh Harder (Calif.)
- Adam Gray (Calif.)
- George Whitesides (Calif.)
- Derek Tran (Calif.)
- Dave Min (Calif.)
- Jahana Hayes (Conn.)
- Frank Mrvan (Ind.)
- Jared Golden (Maine)
- Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.)
- Don Davis (N.C.)
- Nellie Pou (N.J.)
- Gabe Vasquez (N.M.)
- Dina Titus (Nev.)
- Susie Lee (Nev.)
- Steven Horsford (Nev.)
- Tom Suozzi (N.Y.)
- Laura Gillen (N.Y.)
- Josh Riley (N.Y.)
- John Mannion (N.Y.)
- Marcy Kaptur (Ohio)
- Emilia Sykes (Ohio)
- Janelle Bynum (Ore.)
- Henry Cuellar (Texas)
- Vicente Gonzalez (Texas)
- Eugene Vindman (Va.)
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.)
