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WASHINGTON — Demonstrating a bold sense of optimism about the upcoming electoral landscape, the official campaign arm for House Republicans has expanded its 2026 midterm target list by eight seats. This move reflects the party’s belief that it can not only maintain but also grow its slim majority in the House of Representatives.
On Monday, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched its “MAGA Majority” initiative, incorporating new districts from the Midwest and Far West into its strategic map of seats deemed winnable or retainable.
The NRCC has thrown its support behind several GOP candidates, including Jim Desmond in California’s 48th District, Aaron Flint in Montana’s 1st, Brinker Harder in Nebraska’s 2nd, Greg Cunningham in New Mexico’s 2nd, Carrie Buck in Nevada’s 1st, Marty O’Donnell in Nevada’s 3rd, Eric Conroy in Ohio’s 1st, and John Braun in Washington’s 3rd District.
NRCC Chairman Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina expressed confidence in this strategy, stating, “House Republicans are on offense, and this latest round of MAGA Majority candidates proves we’re not slowing down.”
Hudson continued, “These are battle-tested leaders who reflect their districts and are ready to take the fight to vulnerable Democrats. By identifying the right candidates early on, we’re broadening our scope and ensuring more seats are in play for 2026.”
The “MAGA Majority” program is targeting 17 House seats in total to hold or flip, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), is promoting 12 candidates on its “Red to Blue” list as the party hopes to regain the House majority after four years out of power.
While the DCCC is focusing exclusively on Republican-held seats, the updated NRCC list includes three districts represented by retiring GOP lawmakers — California’s 48th District (Darrell Issa), Montana’s First District (Ryan Zinke) and Nebraska’s Second District (Don Bacon).
The other five seats have long been coveted by House Republican campaigners, particularly Washington state’s Third District, repped by moderate Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez since January 2023.
Both the NRCC and DCCC have separate lists of vulnerable incumbents they intend to defend in November.
Since 1938, the party in control of the White House has lost House seats in all but two midterm election cycles — 1998 and 2002.
Republican hopes of keeping the House were dealt a major blow last week when Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum that could cost the GOP up to four seats.
In response, Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session this week to consider redrawing the Sunshine State’s congressional map to boost Republicans.
One major silver lining for the NRCC is its fundraising advantage, with $78.2 million cash on hand compared to the DCCC’s roughly $70 million, per the most recent filings.