House Democrats’ Campaign Chair Declares Party ‘On Offense’ in 2026 Fight to Reclaim Majority from GOP
Democrats' low approval ratings energize Republicans to solidify House control in 2026, leveraging Trump’s influence and strategic advantages.
As early maneuvering intensifies in the race for the 2026 House majority, both Democrats and Republicans are sharpening their messaging and zeroing in on key battlegrounds that could determine control of Congress. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is wasting no time drawing contrasts with the GOP-led government, arguing that recent Republican actions are harming working families and jeopardizing the nation's future.
Rep. Suzan DelBene, the DCCC chair, has been vocal about what she sees as a pivotal opportunity for Democrats in these midterms. “We only need three more seats,” DelBene emphasized, referencing the slim margin separating the two parties. She pointed to a list of 35 districts across the country where Democrats believe they can flip Republican-held seats. “We are on offense. We are fighting for the American people and for the important issues they care about, and Democrats are united in doing that,” DelBene stated, underlining her party’s commitment to regaining the majority.
However, Republicans remain optimistic. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), highlighted the terrain shaping up for his party. “The battlefield is really laying out to our advantage,” Hudson said, pointing to the fact that 14 Democrats hold seats won by Donald Trump, compared to just three Republicans in districts carried by former Vice President Kamala Harris. “That tells me we’re going to be on offense.”
DelBene countered Republican confidence, insisting that voter frustration is creating real momentum for Democrats. “People are outraged,” she said. “They do want to see someone come into office who is going to fight for their communities and not just be blindly loyal to a president.” DelBene noted the modest gains Democrats made in the 2024 elections as a sign of strength, arguing, “Those are the types of candidates that won in our districts last cycle. It’s a reason we actually gained seats in 2024 and is absolutely the reason why we’re going to take back the majority in 2026.”
The stakes could not be higher for Republicans, with control of the House offering a critical runway for the White House agenda. As Hudson put it, “The president understands that he’s got to keep the House majority in the midterm so that he has a four-year runway instead of a two-year runway to get his agenda enacted. He’s been extremely helpful to us, and we appreciate it.”
Yet, Democrats are contending with an additional challenge: slipping favorability ratings. Recent polling places Democrat favorability at 41%—an all-time low in some national surveys—while Republican favorability edges slightly higher at 44%. Just last year, those numbers were reversed, reflecting a volatile and unpredictable political climate. Still, despite the unfavorable ratings, generic ballot tests show Democrats maintaining a lead, with 49% of voters saying they would back a Democrat in their congressional district if the election were held today, compared to 42% for Republicans.
Internal divisions are further complicating matters for Democrats. The announcement by newly elected Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg to spend millions backing primary challenges against long-serving Democratic incumbents he deems ineffective has fueled bitter debate within the party. Hogg’s pledge, and the prospect of costly intraparty battles, has led some to worry that resources might be diverted from competitive swing districts.
DelBene, however, sought to reassure supporters about the party’s unity. “Democrats across the country are united in taking back the House,” she asserted when asked if the DCCC or allied super PACs might need to shift funds to defend incumbents from primary challengers. “I think everyone knows how important it is that we take back the House, and folks are focused in helping make sure that we do that in districts all across the country.”
Republicans are seizing on signs of Democratic discord. NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella commented on the infighting, arguing, “No Democrat is safe. A political earthquake is underway, and the old guard is scrambling.” With less than two years until the midterms, both parties are bracing for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the balance of power in Washington for years to come.
