Veterans Take Center Stage in Upcoming Midterm Elections

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both Republicans and Democrats are leaning on veterans to bolster their chances. Republicans are focused on maintaining their slim majority in the House, while Democrats need just three more seats to take back control.

According to Republican strategists, over 50 Republican veterans are stepping into the political arena, vying for House seats across various battleground districts, as well as challenging incumbent Democrats. On the flip side, 17 military veterans are positioning themselves as candidates for the Democrats in 35 districts currently held by Republicans, highlighting the competitive landscape.

Prominent Republican candidates include John Brown from Washington’s 3rd District, Kevin Lincoln from California’s 13th District, and Eric Flores from Texas’ 34th District, among others. Also noteworthy is Matt Van Epps, a West Point grad and veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard, who is entering the special congressional election for Tennessee’s 7th District next month.

As for the Democratic side, candidates like Joe Mendoza from Arizona and Rebecca Bennett from New Jersey have announced their bids, aiming to shake up the existing balance. Out of the current 78 House representatives, 59 are Republicans while 19 are Democrats, as reported by the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden, a Navy SEAL veteran, voiced strong support for this influx of veteran candidates, stating, “Veterans know what hard work, discipline, and responsibility look like, and Congress needs more of that.” He further pointed out that the Republican Party is actively seeking a new wave of veteran leaders to amplify the voices of veterans in Washington.