The DLCC is leading the national strategy to build Democratic power in the states amid Republicans’ devastating leadership in DC
WASHINGTON — Critical elections in the states today will let voters weigh in on the disastrous MAGA agenda and affirm Democratic leadership in state legislatures ahead of the 2026 midterms. Key races in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, California, Mississippi, and more will set the tone ahead of the midterms and provide a pulse check on voters as the Republican government shutdown intensifies, raising costs for millions of families already facing an affordability crisis under the Trump administration.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“As the government shutdown reaches day 35, voters in Virginia, New Jersey, and across the country head to the polls to back state Democrats and hold Republicans’ feet to the fire for advancing Trump’s disastrous MAGA agenda. Republicans have failed voters at every turn, from soaring costs and mass layoffs to stripping access to health care and critical services. Today’s elections are essential to strengthen the base of Democratic power in the states and lay the foundation for success as we head into the midterms.”
Here are the top races to watch in the states today:
- Virginia: Alongside the competitive gubernatorial and lieutenant governor’s races, Democrats have an opportunity to defend and expand a one-seat majority in the Virginia House of Delegates. The DLCC invested millions this year, and our partnership has helped build a strong caucus program that has transformed the House caucus from a near Democratic superminority to a growing majority.
- New Jersey: The DLCC has made a six-figure investment in the New Jersey Assembly to support Democrats as they defend their majority.
- Pennsylvania: Three Democrats in state supreme court retention elections have the DLCC’s backing through a six-figure investment as we aim to help secure the majority through the end of the decade, which is essential for redistricting.
- California: Voters in California could approve the use of new maps to counter Republicans’ blatant power grabs, as the DLCC continues to lead the national effort to win more legislative majorities to even the playing field in 2030 redistricting.
- Minnesota: Two Senate DFLers are running in majority-deciding special elections. Minnesota DFLers have already won three majority-deciding special elections this year. Both chambers are on the DLCC’s target map for 2026 as we aim to take back the House and defend the Senate.
- Mississippi: Democrats are running in ten House and Senate special elections, where a chance to break the supermajority in the Senate with two seat gains is within reach.
- Other Special Elections: Democrats are running in toss-up races in New Hampshire, Washington, and New York, where wins would mark progress in building and protecting Democratic power.
READ MORE: Background on the DLCC’s Top Races to Watch This November
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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