In Battlefor House Democrats Are Calling Up Military Recruits

Published in House and Home on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 5:31 GMT by The New York Times
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Aware of its deeply unpopular national brand, the Democratic Party is turning to an unusually large crop of veterans to help it retake the House next year.

Democrats Bet on Veterans to Flip the House in Midterms

In a strategic pivot aimed at reclaiming control of the House of Representatives, Democrats are increasingly turning to military veterans as candidates in key battleground districts for the 2026 midterm elections. This approach, detailed in a comprehensive analysis by The New York Times, reflects a calculated effort to counter Republican dominance on issues like national security, patriotism, and veterans' affairs, while appealing to moderate and independent voters disillusioned with partisan gridlock. The party's recruitment drive has already yielded a slate of over two dozen veteran candidates, many with combat experience from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global hotspots, positioning them as credible voices on foreign policy and domestic resilience.

The article highlights how Democrats, stung by losses in previous cycles, are drawing lessons from past successes. For instance, in 2018, a wave of veteran Democrats helped flip the House, with figures like Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey leveraging their service records to win over swing voters. Now, with the political landscape even more polarized, party leaders like House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene are prioritizing candidates who can transcend traditional party lines. "Veterans bring a unique perspective," Jeffries is quoted as saying. "They've fought for this country, and now they're fighting for its future in Congress."

One prominent example profiled is Lt. Col. Rachel Hunt, a retired Army helicopter pilot running in North Carolina's 13th District. Hunt, who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, campaigns on a platform blending progressive policies with a tough stance on defense spending. She criticizes Republican cuts to veterans' benefits and emphasizes the need for mental health support for service members, drawing from her own experiences with post-traumatic stress. "I've seen the cost of war up close," Hunt tells voters at town halls. "We can't afford leaders who treat our troops as political pawns." Her district, a suburban battleground that flipped red in 2024, is seen as winnable if she can mobilize military families and moderates.

Similarly, in Arizona's 1st District, Navy veteran Marcus Ramirez is challenging a vulnerable Republican incumbent. Ramirez, a former SEAL who lost a leg in combat, focuses on border security—a hot-button issue in the Southwest—while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. He argues that his frontline experience gives him insight into real threats, contrasting with what he calls the "performative patriotism" of his opponent. The Times notes that Ramirez's campaign has raised over $2 million in small donations, fueled by endorsements from groups like VoteVets, a progressive veterans' organization that has become a powerhouse in Democratic fundraising.

The strategy isn't without risks. Republicans have long claimed the mantle of military support, with the GOP boasting its own cadre of veterans, including figures like Florida's Brian Mast and Texas's Dan Crenshaw. The article delves into how the GOP is countering by portraying Democratic veterans as out-of-touch elites or puppets of the party's liberal wing. In one ad campaign in Ohio, Republicans attack Air Force veteran Elena Torres, accusing her of supporting "woke" policies that they claim undermine military readiness. Torres, running in a Rust Belt district, pushes back by highlighting her work on economic issues, such as job training for veterans transitioning to civilian life. "Service isn't about party—it's about solutions," she says.

Broader context is provided through data and expert analysis. According to the Times, veterans make up about 7% of the U.S. population but hold disproportionate sway in swing states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, where military bases and retiree communities are concentrated. A recent Pew Research poll cited in the piece shows that 65% of voters view military service as a positive qualifier for political office, higher than attributes like business experience or legal background. Democrats hope this sentiment will help them in districts where inflation, crime, and cultural wars dominate headlines, allowing veterans to pivot conversations toward unity and competence.

The recruitment process itself is a focal point. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has launched a "Boots on the Ground" initiative, partnering with organizations like the Truman National Security Project to identify and train veteran candidates. This includes media training, fundraising workshops, and policy briefings tailored to their experiences. One anecdote recounts a boot camp-style retreat in Washington, D.C., where candidates shared war stories while strategizing on how to address issues like the VA backlog, which affects millions of veterans. "It's like assembling a platoon," says a DCCC strategist anonymously. "We need fighters who know how to win tough battles."

Challenges abound, however. The article explores internal party tensions, with some progressives wary of candidates perceived as too centrist or hawkish on foreign policy. For example, in California's 22nd District, Marine veteran Diego Morales faces criticism from the left for his support of increased drone strikes against terrorist groups. Yet, party leaders argue that such pragmatism is essential in purple districts. Fundraising disparities also pose hurdles; while Democratic veterans have outraised some opponents, the GOP's super PACs, backed by wealthy donors, are flooding airwaves with attack ads.

On the policy front, the Times outlines how these candidates are shaping the Democratic agenda. Many advocate for expanding the GI Bill, improving healthcare access, and addressing climate change as a national security threat—issues that resonate beyond veteran communities. In Michigan's 7th District, Army veteran Sarah Jenkins ties her service in the Gulf War to calls for renewable energy, arguing that dependence on foreign oil endangers troops. "We fought for energy independence abroad; now let's achieve it at home," she campaigns.

The piece also examines historical precedents, noting that post-Vietnam eras saw surges in veteran politicians, often leading to bipartisan reforms like the post-9/11 GI Bill. Experts like political scientist Seth Masket suggest this could foster a new wave of centrism in Congress, potentially breaking logjams on issues like gun control and infrastructure. "Veterans aren't ideologues; they're problem-solvers," Masket opines.

Looking ahead, the article projects that if Democrats net the necessary five seats to flip the House—assuming current projections hold—these veterans could form a influential bloc. In a divided government, they might push for oversight on defense spending, which ballooned under recent administrations, or advocate for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Times quotes Rep. Seth Moulton, a veteran Democrat from Massachusetts, who mentors many candidates: "This isn't just about winning elections; it's about restoring faith in government through service."

Critics, including some Republican strategists interviewed, dismiss the effort as a gimmick. "Democrats can dress up their candidates in uniforms, but voters see through it," says one. Yet, early polling in key races shows veteran Democrats leading or tied, particularly among independents. The article concludes on an optimistic note for the party, suggesting that in an era of distrust toward institutions, authenticity from those who've served could be the edge needed to turn the tide.

This veteran-focused strategy underscores a larger Democratic recalibration after 2024's mixed results, where the party held the Senate but lost House ground. By emphasizing service over spectacle, Democrats aim to rebuild a coalition that includes working-class voters, suburban moderates, and disaffected Republicans. As midterms approach, the success of these candidates could redefine not just the House's composition but the very narrative of American politics, proving that in divided times, shared sacrifice might still unite.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/us/politics/democrats-house-midterms-veterans.html ]

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