Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene emphasizes affordability as a key strategy for flipping three GOP seats to regain House majority in the 2026 midterms.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Suzan DelBene, has made it clear that the party’s focus will remain on affordability. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, DelBene outlined the Democrats’ strategy to reclaim the House majority by flipping three Republican-held seats.
DelBene, who is leading the DCCC for a second consecutive election cycle, stated, “We’re going to hold Republicans accountable for their policies that are hurting American families.” The Democrats need to secure just three additional seats to regain control of the House for the first time in four years.
High prices and the rising cost of living were pivotal issues that contributed to the Republican victories in the 2024 elections, which saw Donald Trump reclaim the White House and the GOP maintain control of the Senate and House. However, the political landscape has shifted since then.
In the recent 2025 elections, Democrats experienced significant success, particularly in gubernatorial races in traditionally blue states like New Jersey and Virginia. They also achieved notable victories in battleground states such as Georgia and Pennsylvania, as well as in liberal strongholds like New York City and California.
DelBene pointed to these results as evidence that voters are increasingly concerned about affordability. “It was clear that when folks are talking about the biggest issues affecting their communities, affordability is at the forefront,” she said. “The rising costs people have seen as a result of the policies put in place by this administration and Republicans in Congress have been rejected by voters.”
A recent Fox News national poll revealed that three-quarters of respondents viewed the economy negatively, with many voters, including Republicans, reporting increased costs for essentials such as groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing. The poll also indicated that voters largely blame the current economic situation on Trump, with nearly twice as many respondents attributing responsibility to him compared to President Biden.
Only 38% of those surveyed approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, while Trump’s approval rating stood at 41%, the lowest of his second term according to Fox News polling.
DelBene emphasized that affordability remains the top concern for families, citing rising costs in housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and energy. She criticized Republican promises to lower costs, labeling them as “big broken promises” that have left many feeling the impact of unfulfilled commitments.
In response, Republican Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, acknowledged the economic challenges but attributed them to Biden’s policies. He stated, “House Republicans, working with President Trump, are going to fix it, and we’re working very hard to do that.” Hudson also expressed confidence that families would see increased take-home pay come tax season, crediting Trump and House Republicans for this outcome.
The DCCC has strategically linked vulnerable House Republicans to Trump, with DelBene arguing that Republican policies are detrimental to American families. She pointed to tariffs imposed by Trump that have raised costs and accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy while neglecting working families.
On the other hand, the NRCC has attempted to associate Democrats with the far-left policies of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, suggesting that the entire Democratic Party has shifted leftward. Hudson asserted that every House Democrat must clarify their stance regarding Mamdani’s policies.
DelBene countered this narrative, asserting that Republicans lack a coherent message and are attempting to distract voters. “The folks in Iowa and Arizona aren’t focused on who the mayor of New York is,” she said. “They’re focused on who’s running for office, who’s going to stand up for them.”
As new national polls indicate a favorable outlook for Democrats in the 2026 House majority battle, DelBene remains cautious yet optimistic. “We take nothing for granted,” she stated, but expressed confidence that Democrats will successfully reclaim the House. “Our number one goal is making sure that we take back those gavels,” she emphasized, envisioning a Congress that works for the American people and serves as a check on the current administration.
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