2026 Midterms Heat Up as Democratic Candidates Rally Presidential Backing
Democratic candidates for the 2026 midterms are gaining support from presidential hopefuls. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill received backing from Pete Buttigieg and Cory Booker. Meanwhile, Abigail Spanberger in Virginia had the support of Pete Buttigieg and Gretchen Whitmer. The Democratic Party is reassessing its early presidential election contest calendar, with candidates visiting key states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna has stressed the party's focus on winning back control of the House in the 2026 midterms. Major party figures are campaigning in key states ahead of these elections and potentially the 2028 presidential race. Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett suggests concentrating on states that could decide House control between now and the midterms.
At least 43 visits or planned visits by Democratic presidential hopefuls have been tracked in key early or battleground presidential election states for 2026. In 2025, at least 24 visits were made in key election states, including New Jersey, Virginia, New York City, and California. Several potential candidates have visited or plan to visit battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Democratic candidates are actively seeking support from presidential hopefuls and strategists ahead of the 2026 midterms. With a focus on key states, the party aims to strengthen its position for both the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
