Among the targets are the 29 seats rated competitive by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report and six seats considered more solidly red, such as those held by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Max Miller (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Mike Turner (R-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), and Ashley Hinson (R-IA).

Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reclaim control due to the GOP’s razor-thin margins, and the party is hoping to capitalize on what it predicts will be plummeting public support for Republicans after two years in a trifecta.

Historically, the House flips to the party opposite the White House during the midterm elections after the excitement of a new administration wears off and voters feel the impact of the party in charge’s policies.

Off-cycle elections are a key indicator for an upcoming midterm season, and Democrats have won several state legislative special elections since the 2024 election. Though the blue candidates lost in two Florida special elections last week, Republicans underperformed in two seats won by the previous lawmakers by over 30 points.

“House Republicans are running scared, and they should be. They’re tanking the economy, gutting Medicaid, abandoning our veterans, and making everything more expensive. In short, they’ve lost the trust of their constituents, and it’s going to cost them the majority,” DCCC Chairwoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) said in a statement.

Democrats have been hammering that Republicans want to cut Medicaid and Social Security since the trifecta took effect, particularly after the Congressional Budget Office noted the $880 billion in proposed budget cuts would run right through Medicaid and other beneficiary programs.

Republicans have pushed back against this, calling it Democratic “hysteria” and noting that the budget resolution to unlock the reconciliation process does not mention Medicaid or Social Security once. But GOP lawmakers have been encouraged to move town halls online or to pre-screened questions, as thousands of people have shown up in person to lambaste their representatives over possibly losing benefits and the Department of Government Efficiency’s actions.

“House Republicans are so scared, they’ve decided to hide from the public, refusing to answer questions and hold in-person town halls,” DelBene said. “Only House Democrats are fighting to protect Social Security and Medicaid, defend our freedoms, and critically, lower costs for everyday Americans. The DCCC is already busy recruiting compelling, authentic candidates in these key districts who will serve their communities, not Elon Musk and Donald Trump.”

The Districts in Play list comes a month after the DCCC announced 26 districts as part of its Frontline program, including several Latino-heavy districts after President Donald Trump made significant inroads with Hispanic voters last year. Gaining a spot in the Frontline program can often be a tug-of-war between Democratic lawmakers, as doing so makes a member a top recipient of party resources, fundraising, and attention.

Despite claiming the party is on offense, Democrats do have to defend 39 competitive congressional seats compared to Republicans’ 29 seats. Among the most competitive seats for Democrats are the 13 districts won by Trump in November last year, including the seats of Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).

DEMOCRATS ON DEFENSE: 2026 PROJECTIONS SHOW GOP AT ADVANTAGE WITH COMPETITIVE HOUSE SEATS

Republicans will have to pour more resources into Michigan’s 10th District as of Monday after Rep. John James (R-MI) announced he would be running for governor. The purple district was already considered competitive, but both James and Trump won the seat by over 6 points.

However, with Trump off the ballot in 2026, eyes will be on Republicans to see whether they can motivate their base to make it to the polls. Historically, GOP voters do not turn out in droves for nonpresidential election years, but House Republicans’ campaign arm has insisted the party will maintain and grow the majority.