DLCC Launches First 50 Target Races for the Midterms

The DLCC is launching a slate of must-win elections across Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Iowa

A Clear Path to Power

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee just announced the first 50 target races for the 2026 midterm elections, a slate of must-win races that will help determine the future of state legislatures across the country.

These races span eight key states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Iowa. From flipping chambers and gaining ground to defending critical majorities, the outcomes in these districts will shape policy, protect fundamental rights, and impact millions of people’s daily lives.

This is just the beginning.

A National Strategy to Build Power

The DLCC is leading a nationwide effort to compete and win.

These first 50 races are part of a broader, historic strategy to target at least 500 legislative races in 2026, including 300 currently held by Republicans. Across 27 states and 42 legislative chambers, Democrats are on offense with the largest target map and most ambitious midterm strategy in DLCC history. 

State legislatures are where the most immediate and consequential decisions are made from protecting voting rights and fundamental freedoms to lowering costs for working families and expanding opportunity. These chambers are the building blocks of our democracy, and the path to long-term, durable change runs directly through them.

Strong Candidates. Competitive Races. Real Impact.

At the center of this strategy are strong, local candidates who are ready to lead and win.

Each of the 50 races announced features candidates who are already organizing, building momentum, and connecting with voters in their communities. These are the races where control of chambers will be decided and where investments can have a consequential impact.

“Strong candidates are the foundation of strong campaigns, and our first 50 Target Races are among the most consequential races to watch this November. Each of these candidates is ready to hit the ground running as they fight to bring down prices for working families, and the DLCC will be with them every step of the way between now and November.”

– Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams

The DLCC is working side-by-side with our candidates and caucuses to provide the resources they need to win: hiring staff, investing in data, research, polling, paid communications, and direct voter contact to build the most effective campaigns possible.

Why Early Investment Matters

Winning these races doesn’t happen overnight.

The most successful campaigns are built early with the infrastructure, resources, and strategic support needed to reach voters, define the narrative, and compete in increasingly expensive and competitive environments.

That’s why this moment is so important.

Early investments in our target races allow us to:

• Build strong campaign foundations from the ground up
• Expand the map and compete in more districts
• Counter well-funded opposition efforts
• Put Democrats in a position to flip chambers and defend critical majorities

Simply put: the earlier we invest, the stronger our candidates become and the more likely we are to win.

From safeguarding voting rights and ensuring fair maps to advancing economic opportunity and protecting fundamental freedoms, the outcomes of these races will shape the direction of states and the country for years to come.

The first 50 target races are a clear signal: Democrats are on offense, the map is expanding, and the opportunity to build lasting power in the states is within reach.

This Is Just the Beginning

In the months ahead, the DLCC will continue rolling out additional target races as part of our comprehensive 2026 strategy.

With your support, we can ensure our candidates have the resources they need to win, secure new majorities, and deliver real results for communities across the country.

Join us in building power in the states. The work starts now.