New Dems have now endorsed 15 candidates across 11 states ahead of the 2026 midterms
Today, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund (NewDem Action Fund, NDAF) announced its endorsement of five additional candidates in competitive House races across the country: Shannon Bird (CO-08), Denise Powell (NE-02), Cait Conley (NY-17), Shannon Taylor (VA-01), and Elaine Luria (VA-02).
With this new endorsement slate, the NewDem Action Fund is building on the momentum of NDAF-endorsed candidate Melissa Bean’s convincing victory in Illinois’ 8th district last week and deepening its investment in top battleground races around the country. NDAF has now endorsed 15 candidates in the 2026 midterms, including nine named to the DCCC’s initial Red to Blue list for the cycle.
“I’m fired up to endorse these strong Democrats because they know their communities, know how to earn trust, and are exactly the kind of candidates who can win the toughest races in the country and help us take back the House,” said New Dem Action Fund Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-04). “I’m proud to stand with results-driven leaders like Shannon, Denise, Cait, Shannon, and Elaine as we build a majority ready to get things done for working families on day one.”
Stanton added, "I also want to thank Recruitment Chair Pat Ryan for his tireless work recruiting such a strong slate of candidates for these critical races. He’s helping put forward the kind of candidates who can win tough districts and make a real difference in Congress. That work is a big part of how we’re going to take back the House.”
“I’m honored to have the support of the New Democrat Action Fund as we work together to restore responsive and effective leadership to Adams, Weld, and Larimer Counties,” said Shannon Bird. “In the legislature, as one of the most effective members in Colorado, I passed healthcare reform by taking on the insurance companies and winning, funded our schools, and made our communities safer, and I can’t wait to join the New Democrats to do the same in Congress.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by the New Democrat Action Fund, the largest coalition of Democrats leading the charge against Trump’s abuse of power,” said Denise Powell. “New Dems know that we need leaders that will fight to bring down costs, protect and expand affordable healthcare, stop ICE from terrorizing communities, and hold the Trump Administration accountable. I’m proud to have their support and am ready to fight for real solutions for everyday problems, flip NE-02, deliver a Democratic majority in the U.S. House, and get to work making Nebraskans’ lives better.”
"I’m proud to have the backing of the New Dems Action Fund in our fight to flip NY-17. The New Dems are focused on expanding economic opportunity and lowering costs for working families,” said Cait Conley. “That’s exactly why I’m in this race: to take on Mike Lawler and actually deliver for our community. It’s why we’re going to win in November and it’s how we are going to create a better future for the Hudson Valley."
“I’m proud to have the support of the New Dems Action Fund. As a prosecutor, I’ve spent my career focused on results, accountability, and solving real problems for families, and that’s exactly how I’ll serve in Congress,” said Shannon Taylor. “I’m excited to work with New Dems to lower costs, protect health care, and ensure government works for the people it is supposed to serve.”
“Working families in Hampton Roads and across the country are paying more for groceries, health care, and at the gas pump because of President Trump and Jen Kiggans’ failed policies. I hear from families every day across Coastal Virginia who can’t get ahead because they can barely afford to get by,” said Rep. Elaine Luria. “I am honored to receive this endorsement from New Dems, and I look forward to continuing to work together with them to lower the cost of living, cut health care and prescription drug costs, and end the current chaos in Washington.”