House Dems targeting 35 Republicans in 2026

TRUMP

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting six congressional seats for a strategic shift from Republican to Democratic control. These seats include those held by Rep. Mike Lawler in New York, as well as Reps. Max Miller, Mike Turner, and Mike Carey in Ohio, and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry in Pennsylvania. Flipping these districts is crucial not only for the Democratic Party and progressive movements but also for the overall health of the nation. Gaining these seats would enhance Democratic influence in Congress, allowing for more progressive policies that address pressing issues such as healthcare, climate change, and social justice, ultimately benefiting all Americans.

FLIP THE SIX

The DCCC is targeting 35 red seats this cycle. The focus is on the northern six districts. These include races with Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Kean, Perry, McKenzie, and Bresnahan. These seats are viewed as key pickups. The DCCC believes they have a real chance to flip some of them. Campaigns are running strong efforts there. These districts have shown signs of shifting toward Democrats. Winning in these areas could boost overall gains. The party aims to put serious resources into these races. It’s clear these six districts are a top priority. Battlegrounds with a lot at stake for both parties.

Rep Brian Fitzpatrick PA

Rep Fitzpatrick supports Trump’s agenda by backing policies on immigration and economic growth. He has pushed for stronger border security measures. Fitzpatrick also votes to keep taxes low and reduce regulation on businesses. He favors military funding and law enforcement, aligning with Trump’s focus on national safety. Fitzpatrick often promotes conservative ideas in debates and votes. He helps block legislation seen as too liberal. His actions match Trump’s goal to put America first. Fitzpatrick’s support helps push the agenda in Congress.

Rep Scott Perry PA

Rep Perry pushes Trump’s policies by backing stricter immigration rules. He fights to cut taxes and reduce regulations. Perry works to protect gun rights and oppose new gun laws. He defends conservative judges and appoints judges who agree with Trump’s views. Perry urges action on energy independence, supporting oil and coal industries. He pushes for stronger border security and gets funding to build the wall. Perry also promotes pro-business laws to boost economic growth. Every move aligns with Trump’s goal to put America first and limit government power.

Blueprint for a House Flip: Why New York Democrats Should Target Key Swing Seats in NY, NJ, and PA

The upcoming congressional elections present a pivotal opportunity for Democrats to reclaim control of the House of Representatives. A focused strategy on specific Republican-held seats in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania is emerging as a critical path forward. These districts, identified as “winnable” due to a confluence of political leanings, recent electoral performance, and characteristics of the incumbents or candidates, represent prime targets for New York State and New York City Democrats.

By strategically allocating resources and attention to these battleground districts, Democrats can leverage their strong fundraising base and volunteer network to gain significant ground in Congress. Here’s an analysis of why these six seats are considered winnable and why they should be a priority for New York Democrats:

New York: A Battleground at Home

NY-17: Rep. Mike Lawler

• Winnability: This Hudson Valley district is a quintessential swing seat. Notably, it voted for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, making Lawler one of the rare Republicans holding a seat in a district that supported the Democratic presidential candidate. This indicates a substantial number of split-ticket voters, rendering the seat inherently competitive. Democrats have consistently targeted Lawler, signaling their intent to dedicate significant resources to flip it. His decision to seek re-election rather than a gubernatorial bid underscores the perceived importance of this congressional race.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: Flipping NY-17 would be a crucial gain for House Democrats, strengthening their presence in a vital suburban area directly north of New York City and directly impacting the narrow Republican House majority.

New Jersey: A Tri-State Opportunity

NJ-07: Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

• Winnability: NJ-07 stands out as one of New Jersey’s most competitive districts, despite a slight Republican voter registration advantage. The district would have narrowly favored Joe Biden in 2020. Kean Jr.’s narrow victory against Democrat Sue Altman in 2024 highlights the seat’s vulnerability. Democrats are already leveraging his recent vote on Medicaid cuts against him. The early announcement of Dr. Tina Shah, a medical doctor, as a Democratic candidate for 2026 signals a strong and well-resourced Democratic effort for the next cycle.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: While geographically in New Jersey, NJ-07 is firmly within the broader tri-state media market, making its political dynamics intertwined with New York. A Democratic gain here contributes directly to the national strategy for House control.

Pennsylvania: Key to the House Majority

Pennsylvania, a perennial swing state, offers four significant targets for Democrats seeking to expand their House majority.

PA-01: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick

• Winnability: Fitzpatrick represents a district with a history of electing moderate Republicans. Despite his solid re-election margin in 2024, the district’s past presidential results indicate it is not overwhelmingly Republican. Democrats frequently target moderate Republicans in districts that have supported Democratic presidential candidates, recognizing the potential for ticket-splitting voters.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: Pennsylvania is a linchpin battleground state. Flipping a House seat here contributes to a broader regional and national effort, with success potentially creating a ripple effect across other competitive districts.

PA-07: Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

• Winnability: Mackenzie narrowly defeated incumbent Democrat Susan Wild in 2024 in a highly targeted district that was considered a bellwether. The slim margin of victory makes it a prime target for Democrats to flip back, especially as it was previously rated as “Likely Democratic” or “Lean Democratic” by forecasters. His recent vote to cut SNAP and Medicaid provides concrete issues for Democrats to campaign on.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: This represents a direct “flip-back” opportunity. The narrow 2024 margin suggests that a concentrated effort could easily reverse the outcome, making it a clear path to adding a seat to the Democratic column.

PA-08: Rep. Rob Bresnahan

• Winnability: Bresnahan’s victory over incumbent Matt Cartwright in 2024 was by a very slim margin. Previously a Republican target, this district is now a Democratic one. The extreme closeness of the 2024 race indicates high competitiveness, susceptible to shifts in voter sentiment or campaign effort. His support for a balanced budget amendment, which could lead to cuts in social programs, is a potential vulnerability Democrats can exploit.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: Similar to PA-07, this is another crucial “flip-back” opportunity given the razor-thin margin. Prioritizing this race is essential for regaining a seat lost in the last election.

PA-10: Rep. Scott Perry

• Winnability: Perry’s district has shown increasing competitiveness. His narrow 2024 victory against Janelle Stelson, a former registered Republican with broad appeal, suggests vulnerability. The district’s presidential results also hint at potential ticket-splitting. Perry’s high-profile and controversial political stances could make him susceptible to a moderate challenger.
• Why NY Democrats Should Focus: Defeating a high-profile Republican like Perry would not only contribute to the Democratic House majority but also send a significant national message. Reports of “Republicans Against Perry” groups suggest internal dissent that Democrats could leverage.

Why New York State & New York City Democrats Must Lead the Charge

The strategic importance of these six districts cannot be overstated. Here’s why New York Democrats should focus their formidable resources:

• National Strategy for House Control: All these seats are critical “swing” or “battleground” districts. Flipping even a few of them could be the deciding factor in which party controls the House of Representatives. New York and Pennsylvania, being populous states with numerous competitive districts, are central to any national Democratic strategy.
• Geographic Proximity and Media Markets: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania share interconnected media markets and regional political interests, particularly in the bustling tri-state area. This allows for coordinated campaign messaging and resource allocation that maximizes impact across state lines.
• Fundraising and Volunteer Base: New York State and New York City boast a robust Democratic fundraising base and a vast pool of dedicated volunteers. Directing these critical resources to nearby competitive districts in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey can provide a crucial advantage in campaign infrastructure, advertising, and ground-level organizing.
• Leveraging Local Issues: Democrats in New York can connect with voters in these neighboring districts on issues that resonate across the region, such as economic stability, healthcare access, and infrastructure development. By working closely with state parties and local organizations, they can tailor their message to the specific needs and concerns of these communities.
• Reversing 2024 Losses: The 2024 election saw some disheartening shifts in certain areas and a narrow Republican retention of the House. Focusing on these highly winnable seats is a direct and strategic effort to reverse those trends and rebuild a stronger, more effective Democratic presence in Congress.

By making these winnable seats a top priority, New York Democrats can play a decisive role in shaping the future of the House of Representatives and advancing a progressive agenda for the nation.