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House Democrats Expand 2026 Target Map, Adding Five GOP Seats to ‘Districts in Play’

Party leaders cite recent special‑election gains to justify widening their House battlefield.

Overview

  • The DCCC’s offensive list grows to 44 with new targets in CO‑5, MN‑1, MT‑1, VA‑5 and South Carolina’s open 1st District as Nancy Mace runs for governor.
  • All five seats were carried by President Donald Trump in 2024 by 9 to 13 points and are rated likely or solid Republican by the Cook Political Report.
  • The committee is launching nominee funds and offering training, staffing and guidance to strengthen eventual Democratic nominees in the new targets.
  • Democrats point to consistent overperformance in special elections since late 2024 as a signal to contest deeper‑red territory.
  • Republicans hold a 218–214 House majority as Democrats seek a net gain of three seats, and VA‑5 could be reshaped by a mid‑decade map facing an April 21 voter decision and potential court review.