Overview
- House Democrats added six contests to their 2026 “Districts in Play,” targeting CA-48 (Darrell Issa), FL-15 (Laurel Lee), NC-3 (Greg Murphy), NC-11 (Chuck Edwards), plus open seats in TX-35 and ME-2.
- DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene cited consistent overperformance and declared confidence in winning widely, while the NRCC dismissed the expansion as out of step with working families.
- The DLCC reported an average 4.5-point overperformance in 2025 contests, mapped dozens of vulnerable state legislative seats, and plans a record $50 million effort across 41 chambers in 27 states.
- Redistricting is reshaping the battleground: the Supreme Court allowed Texas’ new map, California advanced changes through Proposition 50, Florida may revisit lines, and court challenges remain unresolved.
- Key race dynamics include Issa seeking reelection in a redrawn CA-48 now rated Tilt Democratic, ME-2 opening as Jared Golden steps aside with Paul LePage in the GOP field, and TX-35 redrawn to favor Republicans.
- Progressive primary challenges are accelerating with backing from Justice Democrats, prompting intra-party debate over electability in competitive and Republican-leaning districts.