In a strategic push for the 2026 midterms, former Democratic representatives Ben McAdams, Tom Malinowski, and Elaine Luria are mounting political comebacks after previously contributing to flipping the House during Donald Trump’s first term. Their returns underscore Democratic efforts to reclaim control by emphasizing affordability and democratic safeguards amid ongoing political turbulence.
Ben McAdams of Utah, Tom Malinowski of New Jersey, and Elaine Luria of Virginia were part of a wave of first-time candidates elected in 2018, helping Democrats gain 40 seats and retake the House. Many of these lawmakers highlighted national security and public service backgrounds, appealing to moderate voters in swing districts. Their initial victories were seen as a rebuke to Trump’s administration, with candidates promising bipartisanship and practical governance. However, their tenures proved brief due to the volatile nature of their constituencies.
McAdams lost his re-election bid in 2020, while Malinowski and Luria were defeated in 2022 as Republicans regained the majority. These losses reflected shifting political dynamics, including redistricting and national trends during the Biden presidency. Now, the former lawmakers are re-entering the fray, citing widespread dissatisfaction with Congress’s failure to address key issues like rising costs and governmental chaos. Luria, for instance, emphasized that incumbents have not delivered on promises to constituents.
The political landscape has changed significantly since 2018, with fewer competitive seats due to mid-cycle redistricting efforts spurred by Trump. Democrats must now compete in bluer districts, requiring candidates to balance moderate appeal with progressive demands for stronger opposition to the administration. This shift means the comeback candidates face competitive primaries where they must prove their relevance in a party increasingly focused on fighting Trump’s agenda rather than cross-aisle collaboration.
McAdams is running in a newly drawn, heavily Democratic Utah seat and has evolved his stance on abortion, now supporting codifying Roe v. Wade protections. Malinowski, a former State Department official, is in a crowded primary for a safe New Jersey seat, backed by Senator Andy Kim but facing internal party challenges. Luria seeks a rematch against Republican Jen Kiggans in Virginia, a toss-up race that could become more favorable if state Democrats succeed in redistricting efforts.
These comeback bids align with broader Democratic optimism after recent electoral wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and California. Party strategists believe Trump’s unpopularity and focus on democracy issues could help retake the House, echoing the 2018 strategy but adapted to current realities. Democrats are rallying around messages that highlight the threat to democratic norms and the need for checks on presidential power, while also addressing everyday concerns like the cost of living.
Ultimately, the success of McAdams, Malinowski, and Luria will test whether moderate Democrats can still find a place in an increasingly polarized political environment. Their campaigns reflect ongoing internal debates about the party’s direction, balancing pragmatism with progressive energy. As the 2026 elections approach, these comebacks could signal whether Democrats can replicate past gains or if new strategies are needed to navigate the evolving electoral map.
