We’ve enjoyed a short break from democratic primaries since June 10th, but we are back with an update on our new democratic nominees in battleground districts! Get excited – we still have 11 primaries coming down the pike before Election Day. LET’S GO!!
As always, we will highlight the primary election winners in competitive races that fall into the DCCC’s Districts in Play or Red to Blue target lists for 2026.
If you need a refresher:
Districts in Play are the competitive battleground districts where the DCCC is prioritizing candidate recruitment in order to flip these seats in November.
Support the full slate of Districts in Play here>>>
Red to Blue is a highly competitive DCCC program that equips top-tier, battle-tested candidates with the organizational and fundraising support they need to win big in November.
Support the full slate of Red to Blue candidates here>>>
Without further ado, let’s jump into a recap of recent primary elections!
July 21st - Arizona:
All three candidates in competitive seats in Arizona are now on the DCCC’s Red-to-Blue program. Amish Shah was added after a dominant performance in his primary.
AZ-01 - Amish Shah
Dr. Amish Shah is an emergency room physician who is committed to serving his community and has seen firsthand the devastating impact of D.C. Republicans’ cuts to health care through their Big, Ugly Bill.
AZ-01 includes northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Fountain Hills.
No incumbent Republican; this is an OPEN seat. Jay Feely is the Republican nominee.
Cook Partisan Index: R+1
AZ-02 - Jonathan Nez
As President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan Nez has worked with leaders of both parties, including the Trump Administration, to deliver for Arizona.
AZ-02 is Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai counties in their entirety and portions of four additional counties. The largest city in the district is Flagstaff.
Incumbent Republican: Eli Crane
Cook Partisan Index: R+7
AZ-06 - JoAnna Mendoza
Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor, Jo Mendoza, knows firsthand the challenges many in her district are facing as they fight to make ends meet; she grew up on Medicaid and SNAP and knows how vital a lifeline these programs can be. After serving her country for roughly twenty years, she’s ready to keep fighting to protect her community in Congress.
AZ-06’s population resides in the suburbs of Tucson. There is a heavy military presence, with Fort Huachuca located in the district, and it also sits approximately 15 miles north of the Mexican border.
Incumbent Republican: Juan Ciscomani
Cook Partisan Index: TOSS UP
August 4th - Michigan:
As you know, I have a soft spot for Michigan (Go Blue!) and we have some rockstars in our Michigan cohort this cycle who just wrapped up pretty competitive primary elections. Now they need your support to get through the general election.
MI-04 - Sean McCann
Born and raised in Michigan, where he is now raising his family, Sean McCann has dedicated his career to giving back to his community: as a nonprofit leader, State Representative, and now a State Senator after flipping a Republican-held seat.
MI-04 includes all of Allegan and Van Buren counties, as well as portions of Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Berrien counties.
Incumbent Republican: Bill Huizenga
Cook Partisan Index: R+3
MI-07 - William Lawrence
William Lawrence is an activist and coalition-builder, founding the climate change organization Sunrise Movement, and spent the last four years working for good housing in Michigan.
MI-07 centers around MI’s capital, Lansing, and includes seven other counties.
Incumbent Republican: Tom Barrett
Cook Partisan Index: TOSS UP
MI-10 - Christina Hines
A daughter of Macomb County, Christina Hines has spent her career defending the defenseless; helping victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and hate crimes. Now she’s ready to defend Michigan in Congress.
MI-10 is in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It consists of southern Macomb County and Rochester and Rochester Hills in Oakland County.
No incumbent Republican; this is an OPEN seat. Michael Bouchard is the Republican nominee.
Cook Partisan Index: R+3
August 4th - Missouri:
A competitive seat in Missouri?? Let’s goooo!! Frederick Wellman is going to crush it this November.
MO-02 - Fred Wellman
Fred Wellman is a veteran, entrepreneur, and father who has dedicated his life to service — service to his country, his fellow veterans, and the truth.
MO-02 is in the eastern portion of the state, primarily consisting of the suburbs south and west of St. Louis.
Incumbent Republican: Ann Wagner
Cook Partisan Index: R+6
August 4th - Virginia:
Virginia is a key battleground state this cycle. We have three incredibly strong candidates, two on our Red-to-Blue list that are going to flip their districts.
VA-01 - Shannon Taylor
As Henrico’s top prosecutor, Shannon Taylor has made it her mission to protect and defend Virginia families.
VA-01 encompasses the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Incumbent Republican: Robert Wittman
Cook Partisan Index: R+3
VA-02 - Elaine Luria
Elaine Luria has been deployed six times to the Middle East and Western Pacific, serving on destroyers, carriers, and ultimately as the Commanding Officer of a combat-ready unit of 400 sailors. Elaine continued her service in Congress representing Coastal Virginia for four years, leading the most significant expansion of veterans’ health care in our lifetime.
VA-02 encompasses all of the counties of Accomack, Northampton, and Isle of Wight; and the cities of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Franklin, and part of Chesapeake.
Incumbent Republican: Jennifer Kiggans
Cook Partisan Index: TOSS UP
VA-05 - Tom Perriello
Tom Perriello served VA-05 previously from 2009-2011. He has spent his career taking on corporate lobbyists, electric utility monopolies, and the Trump administration.
VA-05 is rural Southside Virginia. It includes the cities of Charlottesville, Danville, and Lynchburg.
Incumbent Republican: John McGuire
Cook Partisan Index: R+6
August 6th - Tennessee:
I’ll tell you one thing – Chaz Molder is SO NICE and accomplished. Don’t just look at the odds on this race; look at the people, and you’ll see Tennessee is worth fighting for this cycle.
TN-05 - Chaz Molder
Chaz Molder is a native son of Middle Tennessee. Chaz was elected as the mayor of his hometown of Columbia, a city that voted for Donald Trump by double digits, in 2018, defeating an incumbent Republican to become the youngest mayor in his city’s 200+ year history.
TN-05 stretches from the suburbs of Nashville to the city of Memphis, covering parts of middle and southern Tennessee.
Incumbent Republican Andy Ogles was defeated in the Republican primary. Molder will face Republican Charlie Hatcher.
Cook Partisan Index: R+10
TN-09 - Justin Pearson
Justin Pearson has served as a TN State Representative since 2023, where he has been a fierce fighter for gun violence prevention, environmental protections, and immigrant rights.
TN-05 runs from Memphis to the Nashville suburbs, along Tennessee’s southern border.
This is an OPEN seat, since Steve Cohen (D) chose not to run for re-election. The Republican nominee is Brent Taylor.
Cook Partisan Index: R+9
We have another round of primaries next week, so stay tuned!
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
DCCC Red-to-Blue, Co-Chair
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