House Democrats Target Trump-Won Districts in Bid for Majority

Party's campaign arm announces investments in 12 candidates seeking to oust Republican lawmakers, including in areas Trump easily won in 2024.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has announced significant investments in 12 candidates seeking to unseat Republican lawmakers, including three in districts that former President Donald Trump won handily in 2024. The DCCC's 'Red-to-Blue' funding highlights the party's confidence in regaining the House majority in November, with the recruits coming from diverse working-class backgrounds rather than traditional political experience.

Why it matters

The DCCC's strategy of targeting districts that Trump won easily in 2024 signals a shift in the party's approach, as they seek to win back voters in areas that have trended Republican in recent elections. The recruits' backgrounds also suggest an effort to field candidates who can better connect with the concerns of working-class voters.

The details

The DCCC investments include candidates in some districts House Democrats have not targeted before, with party strategists believing they have a chance to oust several Republican incumbents who have either not put much effort into their reelection campaigns or have been dogged by controversies. One example is Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tennessee), a far-right member of the House Freedom Caucus, who is being challenged by former Columbia mayor Chaz Molder.

  • The DCCC announced the investments on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

House Democratic Minority Leader.

Mike Marinella

Spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Andy Ogles

Republican Congressman from Tennessee's 5th district, who is under FBI investigation for potential campaign fraud.

Chaz Molder

Former mayor of Columbia, Tennessee, who is running against Ogles.

JoAnna Mendoza

Marine Corps veteran whose parents were farmworkers, recruited to run against Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona).

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What they’re saying

“Our theory is that it's important to have candidates whose life stories are extremely relatable to the people in their congressional districts. That means making sure they are individuals who perhaps don't have the same type of political experience which a traditional congressional candidate may have had in the past, but whose life experience clearly demonstrates a commitment to service.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Minority Leader (dnyuz.com)

“Someone buy the DCCC a gift card to help pay for all the lipstick they're putting on the pig that is their recruitment class.”

— Mike Marinella, Spokesman, National Republican Congressional Committee (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Rep. Andy Ogles will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The DCCC's strategy of targeting Trump-won districts with candidates from diverse working-class backgrounds signals a shift in the party's approach, as they seek to win back voters in areas that have trended Republican in recent elections. The recruits' profiles suggest an effort to field candidates who can better connect with the concerns of everyday Americans.