Seven years ago, a group of first-time candidates emerged as a significant force, helping the Democratic Party reclaim control of the US House of Representatives. However, their time in Congress turned out to be fleeting. These individuals included Ben McAdams of Utah, who lost his re-election bid in 2020. Two years later, fellow Democrats Tom Malinowski from New Jersey and Elaine Luria of Virginia also found themselves on the losing end against Republican challengers as the GOP regained control of the House. The setbacks faced by these candidates are not merely personal losses; they reflect the broader fluctuations in political power that have characterized recent years in American governance.
Recently, this trio of former lawmakers has made the decision to stage comebacks, running for office again to address critical concerns around affordability and advocating for democracy and public service—key messages that resonated with voters during the tumultuous period of the Trump administration. In a candid interview, Luria articulated the sentiment of many, expressing that “there’s a lot of dissatisfaction across the country.” She criticized the current members of Congress for failing to deliver on promises made to their constituents, suggesting that there is a widespread feeling of disillusionment with the political status quo.
The upcoming 2026 midterm elections evoke memories of 2018, the year when Democrats triumphed in flipping a remarkable 40 seats in the House amid concerns over President Donald Trump’s administration. The candidates who won those races often highlighted their national security backgrounds and commitment to public service. Even while facing pressures from within their own party, many of these newly elected officials prioritized bipartisanship and collaboration across the aisle.
Nevertheless, the political landscape as the 2026 elections approach is markedly different. A considerable decline in the number of competitive congressional seats, exacerbated by mid-cycle redistricting efforts that emerged at Trump’s urging, has altered the dynamics. Furthermore, the Democratic Party’s base appears increasingly eager for candidates who will challenge the current administration rather than seek compromise. According to Ian Russell, a Democratic strategist, the current cycle revolves around identifying candidates who are prepared to “stand up and fight for our values against the Trump administration.”
In a notable twist, Malinowski, who has previously held significant posts such as a State Department official and who unseated a long-standing Republican, finds himself in a heavily contested primary for a safe Democratic seat—one being vacated by Mikie Sherrill following her successful bid for the governorship of New Jersey. In a similar vein, McAdams is vying for a newly created, heavily Democratic seat that was drawn following a court order, while Luria is setting up a rematch against Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, who had previously defeated her.
The backdrop to their renewed political endeavors also includes vocal critiques from opponents. Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the House Republicans’ campaign arm, remarked that McAdams, Malinowski, and Luria could soon find themselves among the “Repeat Losers Club,” a commentary that underscores the challenges they face in convincing their party and the electorate of their suitability for leadership positions once again.
As the Democrats regroup after recent electoral victories in states like Virginia, New Jersey, and California, the former lawmakers are placing affordability at the forefront of their campaign messaging while also arguing that President Trump remains a significant threat to democracy. Malinowski articulated the urgency of their bids, indicating that the same perceived threats that inspired many to run for Congress years ago persist today, thus motivating their current campaigns.
Yet, the 2023 environment challenges these candidates to affirm their relevance amidst a more progressive landscape where moderate voices may be increasingly sidelined. All three candidates are confronting a harsh reality; they have not easily cleared their respective primary fields, and advancing through competitive primaries will be paramount to their success. In New Jersey, for instance, Malinowski received the endorsement of Senator Andy Kim, even as opposition continues to stir from other factions.
While some Democratic insiders have expressed faith in the potential for moderate candidates to still resonate, particularly in previously competitive districts, many wonder if the political tides have shifted too drastically for these comebacks to yield success. These former officials are attempting to navigate a rapidly evolving political climate that increasingly favors candidates who can demonstrate resolute stances against the current administration’s actions.
With their previous political careers in the balance, McAdams, Malinowski, and Luria are not only trying to revive their political trajectories but also seeking to redefine their positions to align more closely with the evolving demands of their constituents. Whether these attempts to resonate with the electorate will pay off remains an open question, as they align their campaign strategies with urgent societal issues, seeking to position themselves as leaders capable of addressing the challenges facing their communities and the broader political landscape in 2026 and beyond.
