DCCC urges donors to raise $17 million by Oct. 22 to target key red districts
On Oct. 9, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee executive director Julie Merz sent a memo to donors demanding that the committee raise $17 million by Oct. 22.
Merz warned that without the cash the party could leave winnable races on the table as it prepares for the 2026 midterms, and she framed the deadline as essential to “take advantage of the opportunities we have” outside the core battlefield.
The memo singled out four districts that President Donald Trump carried by double‑digit margins in 2024: Florida’s 27th District (won by 14.6 points), Nevada’s 2nd District (13.9 points), South Carolina’s 1st District (13.0 points) and New York’s 21st District (20.7 points). Merz said internal polling shows those seats remain within reach.
In addition to the four highlighted districts, Merz name‑dropped two deep‑red districts she called “worthy of additional investment.” Those are the Arkansas seat held by Rep. French Hill and the North Carolina seat held by Rep. Richard Hudson, who also chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Merz affirmed the committee’s confidence, noting members “remain confident we will win back the majority in 25 days.” She also acknowledged the Republican advantage, citing a “massive war chest” that outspends the DCCC.
The memo arrives amid a broader acknowledgement that Republicans have been outraising House Democrats throughout the cycle. The DCCC’s request marks the first time the committee has attached a specific dollar figure to the funding gap it faces.
The Republican National Congressional Committee quickly mocked the appeal. “No amount of money fixes candidates voters don’t want,” NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella said, adding that the highlighted seats are staying red and Republicans remain on the offensive.
With the deadline less than two weeks away, the DCCC continues to press its donor base for the $17 million it says is needed to compete in the targeted districts and to pursue a path back to a House majority."
