PRESS RELEASE
New Dems Endorse Five More Candidates in Key Red-to-Blue Seats, Bringing Total Endorsements to 50
Washington, D.C. — Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund (NDAF) endorsed five candidates fighting to flip Republican seats in Trump districts. Newly-endorsed candidates include Dwayne Romero (CO-03), Eliott Rodriguez (FL-27), J.D. Ford (IN-05), Callie Barr (MI-01), and Fred Wellman (MO-02). New Dems have now endorsed 50 candidates as the Coalition continues to invest in expanding the battlefield and building a durable governing majority for Democrats. With these additions, New Dem candidates make up 36 of the 46 candidates in the DCCC’s Red to Blue program.
“New Dems are proud to endorse these five candidates who have made their races competitive in Republican-held districts that Trump won just two years ago. Their hard work and strong campaigns have put these races within reach, and we’re going to help them carry that momentum all the way to victory on November 3rd,” said NDAF Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-04). “With less than three weeks until Election Day, New Dems are on track to deliver a governing majority for Democrats by focusing on what Americans want the most: pragmatic solutions that lower costs, protect health care, and root out corruption."
“I’m honored to receive an endorsement from the New Dems,” said Dwayne Romero. “Government should be about working across the aisle to serve our constituents, not rubber stamping extremist politicians and corporate PACs. I look forward to working with them next year in the fight to lower costs, protect access to affordable healthcare, and keep our public lands in public hands.”
“I’m honored to receive the NewDem Action Fund’s endorsement,” said Eliott Rodriguez. “We share a commitment to practical solutions that lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and expand opportunity. South Florida families deserve leaders who listen, work across the aisle, and deliver results. I look forward to working together with the New Democrat Coalition to build an economy that gives every family a fair chance to get ahead.”
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of NewDem Action Fund,” said J.D. Ford. “Hoosiers of Indiana's 5th Congressional District want a member of Congress who gets things done. I’m ready to go to Washington to focus on lowering everyday costs, fixing our broken healthcare system and fighting corruption. In Congress, unlike my opponent, I’ll actually work on committees, stand up for Hoosier families, and reach across the aisle to get results for the 5th District.”
“Families across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan don’t care about Washington’s partisan fights,” said Callie Barr. “They care about whether they can afford groceries and gas to get to work, and how far they need to drive to see a doctor. Jack Bergman spent the last decade voting the party line while our communities lost access to medical care and watched the cost of everything climb. I’ll work with anyone to lower costs and deliver for the people of Michigan's First District.”
“I’m proud to earn the endorsement of the NewDem Action Fund,” said Fred Wellman. “New Dems share my belief that we can grow our economy, expand opportunity, and tackle the challenges facing American families with practical, forward-looking solutions. Their commitment to innovation, strong national security, and effective governance reflects the kind of leadership I want to bring to Washington. I’m excited to work alongside this coalition to deliver real results for Missouri families and help build a stronger future for our country.”
Dwayne Romero (CO-03): A U.S. Army veteran and former Army Ranger, Dwayne earned a Bronze Star as a combat engineer in the Gulf War. He went on to serve as Governor Hickenlooper's Director of Economic Development, on the Aspen City Council and school board, and as a Western Slope small business owner employing 120 Coloradans. He is running to lower the cost of living for working families as he takes on incumbent GOP Rep. Jeff Hurd.
Eliott Rodriguez (FL-27): The son of Cuban immigrants, Eliott spent decades as one of South Florida's most trusted television news anchors at CBS Miami before retiring last year. He is running to take on Miami's affordability crisis and stand up for the immigrant communities hit hardest by the Trump administration's inhumane ICE operations, challenging three-term incumbent GOP Rep. María Elvira Salazar.
J.D. Ford (IN-05): A state senator since flipping a Republican-held seat in 2018, J.D. is the first openly LGBTQ+ legislator in Indiana history. He stepped up to run for Congress, campaigning on lowering the cost of groceries and housing and protecting access to health care as he challenges incumbent GOP Rep. Victoria Spartz.
Callie Barr (MI-01): A Northern Michigan native, military spouse, and attorney, Callie helped build a program providing free legal services to veterans and has spent her career supporting military families. In 2024, she moved the district toward Democrats while most of the state shifted right. She is running a grassroots, labor-backed rematch against incumbent GOP Rep. Jack Bergman.
Fred Wellman (MO-02): A 22-year Army veteran who flew Black Hawk helicopters in Iraq, Fred is now a leading pro-democracy voice as host of the On Democracy podcast. He is running to lower costs, expand access to health care, and protect Social Security and Medicare, taking on incumbent GOP Rep. Ann Wagner with the backing of a broad coalition of labor unions.
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