New Dems Endorse Seven More Candidates in Key Red-to-Blue Seats

New Dems are expanding the battlefield to fight for a decisive majority in November, now having endorsed 43 candidates ahead of the midterms

Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund (NDAF) endorsed seven candidates fighting to flip the Republican seats that could deliver a durable, governing Democratic majority. Newly-endorsed candidates include Chris Backemeyer (NE-01), Teresa Benitez-Thompson (NV-02), Mitchell Berman (WI-01), Blake Gendebien (NY-21), Kristina Knickerbocker (OH-10), Nancy Lacore (SC-01), and Raymond Smith (NC-03). With these additions, New Dem candidates make up 32 of the 40 candidates in the DCCC’s Red to Blue program.

“I couldn’t be more excited to add these seven incredible candidates to our New Dem ranks. They are running strong, smart, and issue-focused campaigns that put deep red seats within reach in November,” said NDAF Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-04). “The American people are sick and tired of Republican lawmakers raising their costs, cutting their healthcare, and bankrolling the Iran War. From Nevada to Nebraska to the Carolinas, voters are hungry for pragmatic lawmakers who drive down costs and focus on getting things done. This newest group of New Dems are ready to run through the tape to win in 35 days.”

“I'm proud to have the support of the New Dems. I spent 21 years serving our country in national security roles, where the focus is on the mission and getting the job done,” said Chris Backemeyer. “That's the pragmatic approach the New Dems bring to Congress, and it's what Nebraska's First District deserves. People here want lower costs on groceries, gas, and health care, and someone who will put solutions ahead of partisan bickering. I will bring accountability to Washington and deliver for our farmers, veterans, and working families.”

“Congress is stuck in its old ways of getting things done for the companies bankrolling political campaigns and hiking up the price of everything,” said Teresa Benitez-Thompson. “ In Washington, I will work with anyone to root out corruption, solve our most urgent problems, and grow our economy. I am excited to have the support of the New Democrat Coalition.”

"As a working-class ER nurse, I see every day how patients struggle to afford the medications and care they need," said Mitchell Berman. "In Congress, I look forward to working with the New Dems to lower costs for working families, fix our broken healthcare system, and end the corruption in Washington. Together, we will flip this seat, restore real representation for southeastern Wisconsin, and make Congress work for the people."

"I'm proud to join the New Democrat Coalition because they're focused on the same thing I am, finding practical solutions instead of picking partisan fights,” said Blake Gendebien. “As a dairy farmer, I don't see red or blue when someone needs help. I see a problem that needs fixing. I'll bring that North Country common sense to Washington and partner with anyone who's serious about lowering costs and standing up for working families."

"As a nurse practitioner, I've spent my career caring for patients who too often have to choose between filling a prescription and paying the bills,” said Kristina Knickerbocker. “In my line of work, you don't get to ignore a problem because it's hard. You find a solution and you follow through. I'm honored to have the support of the NewDem Action Fund, whose focus on lowering costs and delivering real results matches exactly what I'll fight for in Congress."

"People are tired of watching Congress fight while their bills keep going up and politicians look out for themselves,” said Nancy Lacore. “I’m looking forward to working with the coalition to lower costs, make health care more accessible, and clean up the corruption in Washington so we can actually deliver results for the Lowcountry.”

“As a decorated combat veteran, former educator, and two-term legislator, I’ve dedicated my career to improving the lives of Eastern North Carolina families–and that’s exactly what I will continue to do in Congress,” said Dr. Raymond Smith Jr. “I look forward to continuing to build on my strong bipartisan record with the support of the NewDem Action Fund to expand access to rural healthcare, fund public education, and flip this seat.”

Chris Backemeyer (NE-01): Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Chris spent decades serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations in the U.S. State Department and the White House. Now he’s running for Congress to fight for Nebraska families and lower their costs, taking on incumbent Rep. Mike Flood.

Teresa Benitez-Thompson (NV-02): Teresa is a lifelong public servant who has served as a social worker and Nevada State Assembly Member, culminating in a multi-term stint as Majority Leader. She’s fought for the rights of families, seniors, and working people, and now she’s taking that fight to Congress in her campaign to flip an open Republican seat.

Mitchell Berman (WI-01): With more than 23 years of experience in healthcare, Mitchell is a registered nurse and proud union member who has spent over a decade serving veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families at the VA. He’s running to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Bryan Steil.

Blake Gendebien (NY-21): A lifelong dairy farmer in upstate New York, Blake is running a campaign focused on commonsense solutions to the challenges his lifelong neighbors face. He is unapologetically moderate in a district that voted for President Trump by 20+ points, but is moving sharply in his direction as he takes on Anthony Constantino. 

Kristina Knickerbocker (OH-10): A veteran, neuro-oncology nurse practitioner, and mom of two, Kristina never planned to run for office but stepped up to continue giving back to the community where she served for a decade and is raising her family. She is running against GOP Rep. Mike Turner to fix the broken economy and healthcare system she has witnessed firsthand.

Nancy Lacore (SC-01): With over three decades of experience in the Navy, Nancy has gone from helicopter pilot to three-star vice admiral to Chief of the Navy Reserve and will be the highest military ranking woman ever elected to Congress. Despite Secretary Hegseth firing her without cause, she’s nowhere near finished serving, as she runs a formidable campaign in an open seat.

Raymond Smith (NC-03): With deep roots in eastern North Carolina, Raymond was born in Goldsboro, served on the Wayne County school board and represented his community in the State House. He is a Gulf War Veteran focused on kitchen table issues like the cost of living, rural health care and broadband and flood resilience in his run against incumbent GOP Rep. Greg Murphy.