House Republicans take aim at 26 Democrats in initial 2026 midterms target list
The House GOP campaign committee is setting its sights on more than two dozen Democrats in the chamber as it looks to strengthen its narrow majority in the upcoming midterm elections next year. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) unveiled its initial target list for the 2026 midterms, which includes 26 Democrats from various states across the country.
Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority in the House with a 220-215 lead. Despite historical trends that suggest the party in power faces challenges in midterm elections, NRCC chair Rep. Richard Hudson remains optimistic about the upcoming races. In an interview on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” Hudson highlighted that 13 of the targeted Democrats come from districts that were won by President Donald Trump in the last election.
Hudson emphasized that the 2026 midterms present an “opportunity election for House Republicans,” expressing confidence in the party’s prospects. He credited former President Trump for putting Republicans on offense and driving their campaign strategy.
The Democrats on the NRCC’s target list include representatives from California, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New Mexico, among others. The list features incumbents such as Josh Harder, Darren Soto, Jared Golden, and Chris Pappas, who are seen as vulnerable in the upcoming election cycle.
On the flip side, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) recently identified its own list of vulnerable incumbents, known as Frontliners. Notable Democrats like Jahana Hayes, John Mannion, and Janelle Bynum made the DCCC list but were not included in the NRCC’s target list.
In response to the NRCC’s targeting strategy, the DCCC highlighted the Democrats’ performance in the 2024 elections, where they made gains in the House. A DCCC spokesperson emphasized the party’s success in key races and criticized House Republicans for their handling of issues such as the economy and healthcare.
As the midterm election season heats up, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle for control of the House. With key races across the country, the 2026 midterms are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in American politics.
Paul Steinhauser, a seasoned politics reporter based in New Hampshire, contributed to this article.
