Young primary challengers post strong fundraising numbers
The article discusses how several young Democratic primary challengers are raising significant funds, posing a challenge to older Democratic incumbents ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. These younger candidates, often progressive activists, are gaining traction with strong fundraising numbers that in some cases surpass those of veteran lawmakers such as Reps.Mike Thompson, Brad Sherman, and John Larson. The Democratic Party is experiencing tension between its established leadership and a rising wave of younger candidates advocating for change, highlighted by the example of activist David Hogg, who was removed from a DNC leadership position after endorsing challengers over incumbents.Fundraising leaders among Democrats include newer faces such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hakeem Jeffries, while the Senate races also see dynamics with establishment-backed candidates and progressive-backed opponents.The primaries are expected to happen mainly between March and August 2026.
Democratic incumbents face young primary challengers with strong fundraising numbers
Several Democratic incumbents are seeing their young primary opponents boast impressive fundraising numbers as the party toils between placing its faith in its incumbent establishment or in a future featuring younger, more progressive candidates.
As some younger Democratic activists advocate fresher candidates to represent the party, they have gotten caught in the crosshairs of the priorities of the more senior establishment. David Hogg, the 25-year-old March For Our Lives activist, was ousted from his former role as vice president of the Democratic National Committee after supporting several primary candidates instead of incumbents.
With third-quarter fundraising reports coming in this week, the party is getting a look at midterm election primary candidates who have raked in impressive fundraising numbers.
At least six younger Democratic primary candidates took in more money in the third quarter than their 70-plus-year-old incumbent opponents, according to an Axios report. This includes the primary challengers to Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), Ed Case (D-HI), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
Eric Jones is a nonprofit executive who is challenging Thompson’s congressional seat on a platform where his No. 1 issue is making “large corporations pay their fair share” and refunding California families with $10,000, according to his website. Jones had the upper hand in the third quarter in the fundraising race for California’s 4th Congressional District with over $1.5 million in total contributions, compared to incumbent Thompson’s $602,773.25.
Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, challenging Larson in the Democratic congressional primary, is running “to make life easier, healthier, and more affordable for every American,” focusing on affordability issues. Bronin brought in over $1.19 million in total third-quarter contributions compared to Larson’s $804,557.49.
Out of the top five incumbent Democrats who are raising the most money for their 2026 House campaigns, they are all relatively newer faces to House leadership. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has a focus on small-dollar donors, leads the pack with over $19.8 million. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is the longest-serving of the crew, and he has been on Capitol Hill since 2013. The other three are Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), and Eugene Vindman (D-VA).
On the Senate side, Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) just jumped in, likely with the backing of the Democratic establishment, in her race to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). However, Hogg has backed her opponent, Graham Platner, an oyster framer with Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-VT) backing.
DAVID HOGG ENDORSES JANET MILLS CHALLENGER IN MAINE SENATE RACE, CITING AGE
The 2026 congressional primary dates vary but generally take place between March and August.
The DNC did not respond to the Washington Examiner‘s requests for comment.
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