House Democrats‘ campaign arm is expanding its flagship “Red to Blue” program for the third time since its launch, adding four Democratic candidates in competitive districts.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Thursday it was adding former prosecutor Marni von Wilpert in California’s 48th District, former NASA chief of staff Bale Dalton in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, political organizer Denise Powell in Nebraska’s 2nd District, and former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey’s 7th District to the program.
“Rising costs on gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare have become a regular reminder of House Republicans’ broken promises,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
“Voters are eager for new leaders who will put them first, not DC party bosses,” DelBene continued. “This latest class of Red to Blue candidates are proven fighters and trusted public servants who put country over party. They are running to lower costs, tackle corruption, deliver for hardworking families, and will be critical to helping House Democrats take back the majority in November.”
Both Von Wilpert and Powell are running in open districts that lean Democratic. Von Wilpert is running against Republican San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond in California’s newly formed 48th District. The district is held by retiring Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA). Powell, meanwhile, is set to face Omaha City Councilmember Brinker Harding for retiring Rep. Don Bacon’s (R-NE) seat.
Dalton is in redder waters and is set to face embattled Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL). The district is rated as likely Republican by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Bennett is in a toss-up race against Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ), who has been absent from Congress for three months due to a medical issue.
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Few details have been shared by Kean’s office about his health. However, the congressman said in a Tuesday afternoon statement that he is “more energized than ever” to fight for the district and would “transition from virtual work to in-person work within a matter of weeks.”
With the inclusion of the four Democratic candidates, the Democratic program now boasts 24 candidates that the party is boosting with additional resources as it tries to win control of the House in November.