The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced the addition of five candidates to its 'Red to Blue' program on August 20, 2026. This initiative aims to support candidates in districts where Democrats face significant challenges. The new candidates include Leela Gray in Florida’s 13th District, Zach Dembo in Kentucky’s 6th District, Matt Dunlap in Maine’s 2nd District, Nancy Lacore in South Carolina’s 1st District, and Tom Perriello in Virginia’s 5th District.
The DCCC's new candidates are running in districts that were won by President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Four of these districts are classified as 'likely Republican' and one as 'solid Republican' by the Cook Political Report.
Perriello, a former House member, will compete against Rep. John McGuire (R-VA) in a district that Trump won by over 12 points. In Kentucky, Dembo is seen as having a potential opportunity in a district previously held by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), who is not running for re-election. Gray will challenge Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) in Florida, while Dunlap aims to retain the seat of retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) against former Gov. Paul LePage. Lacore is set to face Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) in a district that also voted for Trump by around 13 points in 2024.