The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is facing pushback from Democratic candidates who accuse the group, which is the campaign arm for congressional Democrats, of tipping the scales in primary elections. Earlier this week, the DCCC announced its first wave of candidates selected for its “Red to Blue” program. These candidates will receive strategic guidance, staffing resources, training, and fundraising support to strengthen their general election prospects.
Several candidates, who were not listed by the DCCC but are running in the same districts called out the group for its role in advancing candidates in primary races.
A long list of national “grassroots” Democratic candidates put out a joint statement in response.
“Such early institutional backing also carries significant influence in the primary process — often shaping fundraising pipelines, access, and perceived viability before voters have had the opportunity to evaluate the full field,” they wrote in the letter that includes signatures from candidates across the country.
“In multiple states and districts, party leadership has signaled preferred candidates well before voters have had the opportunity to evaluate the full field,” the letter continued. “Through early infrastructure support, fundraising advantages, and institutional backing, these actions show that outcomes are being shaped before ballots are cast.”
“You cannot argue that democracy is on the ballot in November while narrowing democracy in the primaries from now through August,” the coalition stated. “If a candidate is strong, they should be able to earn support in open competition. Protecting them from competition is not confidence.”
From Virginia, Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, VA-01, Salaam Bhatti, VA-01, Lewis Littlepage, VA-01, Mel Tull, VA-01, Dr. Nila Devanath, VA-02, Patrick Mosolf, VA-02 and Matt Strickler, VA-02 signed the letter.