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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Tuesday that it is designating five additional races for its Red to Blue program, which provides strategic resources and financial support to candidates competing in closely contested House districts. The expansion brings the total number of targeted races to 37 as Democrats seek to reclaim the majority currently held by Republicans. The five new candidates are Tom Perriello in Virginia’s 5th District, Nancy Lacore in South Carolina’s 1st District, Matt Dunlap in Maine’s 2nd District, Zach Dembo in Kentucky’s 6th District, and Leela Gray in Florida’s 13th District.
All five candidates share extensive records of military or public service, underscoring the party’s strategic messaging focus. Leela Gray secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday evening after a 30-year Army career that culminated in the rank of brigadier general. Nancy Lacore, her counterpart in South Carolina, is a former three-star Navy admiral, while Zach Dembo served as a Navy JAG officer and Department of Justice prosecutor. The other two candidates, Matt Dunlap and Tom Perriello, have both held elected office previously, with Dunlap serving as Maine Secretary of State and Perriello as a former U.S. congressman.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene praised the additions in a statement, saying the candidates represent “proven fighters who are running strong campaigns, talking to every voter, and building coalitions across the ideological spectrum.” The party’s campaign arm will provide these nominees with strategic guidance, staff resources, training assistance, and fundraising support ahead of November’s general election.
Despite the DCCC’s investment, most targeted districts lean Republican by significant margins. Three races—Virginia’s 5th, South Carolina’s 1st, and Kentucky’s 6th—were won by GOP candidates by an average margin of 19.3 percentage points in recent elections. Only Florida’s 13th and Maine’s 2nd districts were decided by less than 10 points, with Maine’s contest representing the most competitive race after a narrow 0.6-point victory for incumbent Democrat Jared Golden, who is not seeking reelection.
DelBene framed the Democratic challenge around pocketbook issues, stating that “American families are struggling under the broken promises and higher costs caused by House Republicans, and they’re eager for leaders who will always put the well-being of their communities first, not rubber-stamp Trump’s failed agenda.” All five candidates have already secured their respective Democratic nominations and will advance to the general election scheduled for November 3.
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