The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) on Tuesday expanded its flagship Red to Blue program, adding five new candidates as the party intensifies its push to reclaim the House majority. The additions, first reported by The Hill, follow a series of primaries and redistricting battles that forced the committee to recalibrate its initial strategy.
The new slate brings the total number of candidates in the program to 30, each receiving access to fundraising networks, strategic advice, and campaign training. To qualify, candidates must hit specific benchmarks for local support and fundraising—a sign that the DCCC is vetting contenders for viability in competitive districts.
Among the most notable additions is former Arizona state Representative Amish Shah, who will run in the state’s 1st Congressional District. Shah defeated the DCCC’s preferred candidate, former broadcast journalist Marlene Galán-Woods, in last week’s primary by five points. The seat is open after Republican Representative David Schweikert vacated it to run for governor, and Cook Political Report rates it a toss-up. Shah’s victory underscores the fluidity of primary outcomes and the committee’s willingness to adapt.
In Montana, the DCCC is backing Sam Forstag, a union leader and former smokejumper, in the 1st Congressional District. Forstag won a competitive primary in June with endorsements from progressive heavyweights Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). He will face Republican Aaron Flint in a race rated “likely Republican” by Cook. The seat is open due to retiring Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), giving Democrats a long-shot opportunity in a red-leaning state.
Florida’s newly drawn 22nd Congressional District, created after Republican-led redistricting reshaped the state’s map, will see former educator Pia Dandiya as the Democratic nominee. Dandiya originally planned to challenge Representative Brian Mast in the 21st District but shifted after the GOP-controlled legislature redrew boundaries to favor Republicans. Cook rates the seat as “lean Republican.”
In Iowa, state Representative Lindsay James joins the program for the 2nd Congressional District, where Representative Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) is running for Senate. Former Democratic Representatives Abby Finkenauer and Dave Loebsack publicly urged the DCCC to include James, reflecting local pressure to back a credible contender in a district Cook rates “lean Republican.” James will face a Republican nominee in a race that could test Democratic strength in the Midwest.
Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, currently held by Representative Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), is the target for public school teacher and union leader Jake Johnson. Cook rates the seat “likely Republican,” but Johnson’s background as a union activist could resonate with working-class voters in a district that has trended red in recent cycles.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) framed the additions as part of a broader strategy to capitalize on voter discontent. “In less than 100 days, Democrats will take back the House majority and it will be powered by our incredible candidates such as the five named to Red to Blue today,” DelBene said in a statement. “Whether in suburban, rural, or redistricted seats, the American people have soured on Republicans’ broken promises and failure to lower costs. Voters are outraged by higher prices on everything and a war of choice spiraling out of control. They are eager for change and new leaders who will fight for them, not be a rubberstamp for Donald Trump.”
The DCCC’s latest picks reflect a party seeking to reclaim patriotic and economic narratives while navigating a challenging map shaped by gerrymandering and primary surprises. With the 2024 elections less than 100 days away, the Red to Blue program remains a key tool for Democrats aiming to flip the 218 seats needed for a majority.
