From Rolling Stone · John Avlon · · 2m
Middle America Wins Senate and House
Military veterans and moderates are flipping red states to Democrats in 2026 elections.
In brief
Military veterans and moderates are flipping red states to Democrats in 2026 elections. Democrats win Senate and House by appealing to independents and centrists in red states. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Senate Shifts
Democrats target purple districts with moderate candidates in red states.
“We need more people in the middle that want to work across the aisle to get things done.”
North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper leads in RealClearPolitics average with affordability focus.
“I'm going to be a senator who's going to put the people before power, the people before party.”
Alaska Senate Race
Mary Peltola, former Congress member, wins nonpartisan primary ahead of Republican incumbent.
“I am right down the middle. I'm as moderate as a person could possibly be.”
Texas Senate Race
James Talarico, pastor and state rep, leads Attorney General Ken Paxton by 1-6 points.
“We will not defeat the politics of division with more division.”
Kansas Senate Race
Adam Hamilton, pastor and author, edges Republican incumbent Roger Marshall 45 to 43.
“Here in Kansas, we're proud of being in the middle politically.”
Ohio Senate Race
Sherrod Brown leads J.D. Vance replacement John Husted in heartland battleground.
“I don't believe politics is left or right. I've always been on the side of the middle class and workers.”
Nebraska Independent
Dan Osborn, Navy veteran, leads Republican Pete Ricketts by four points.
“We have to stop looking left and right and pointing fingers, and we have to start looking up.”
Montana Independent
Seth Bodnar, former Green Beret, runs as independent against Republican Kurt Alme.
“I swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States. I didn't swear loyalty to a political party.”
South Dakota Independent
Brian Bengs, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, challenges Republican Mike Rounds.
“Deny either team a majority, we become the fulcrum which can force bipartisanship in the Senate.”
Wisconsin House Race
Rebecca Cooke runs third time for Congress in third district with middle politics message.
“We need more people in the middle that want to work across the aisle to get things done.”
New Jersey House Race
Rebecca Bennett, former Republican Navy pilot, challenges Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
“In the aircraft, you'd never ask your crew if they're Democrats or Republicans.”
New York House Race
Cait Conley, Army officer, challenges Rep. Mike Lawler with service-focused message.
“Government's job is to deliver for the people, not a party.”
Arizona House Race
JoAnna Mendoza, retired Marine, challenges Rep. Juan Ciscomani with service message.
“We need servant leaders today. A new generation of patriots who put people first.”
South Carolina Race
Nancy Lacore, former Republican Navy admiral, runs for 1st District seat.
“We need to get folks in there who are a little bit closer to the middle who are willing to work across the aisle.”
Pennsylvania Race
Janelle Stelson, former Republican journalist, challenges MAGA Rep. Scott Perry.
“My job was not to answer to a political party. It was not to defend the rich and powerful.”
Iowa Governor
Rob Sand, state auditor, leads in polls with fiscal responsibility focus.
“I think our political system is broken largely because it's run by two private clubs.”
Florida Governor
David Jolly, former Republican congressman, runs against MAGA Rep. Byron Donalds.
“I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctor's offices.”
Alabama Senate Race
Doug Jones, pragmatic candidate, challenges Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
“One that actually belongs to the people of Alabama. One that listens before it lectures.”
Ohio Governor
Dr. Amy Acton leads Vivek Ramaswamy in Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll.
“As a doctor, I never asked my patients whether they were Democrats or Republicans.”
The one thing
Democrats win Senate and House by appealing to independents and centrists in red states.
