When Rep. Mikie Sherrill emerged victorious in the New Jersey gubernatorial primary, the “Hellcats” group chat of aspiring female congresswomen erupted in jubilation. The four women in the chat, all with military backgrounds, are running for Congress in 2026. Named after the pioneering female Marines of World War I, the Hellcats find inspiration in Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, as she paves the way for the next generation of Democratic candidates.
With the Democratic Party aiming to revitalize its image and reclaim the House in 2026, Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, the presumptive Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia and a former congresswoman and CIA officer, are held up as beacons of hope. Dan Sena, former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sees candidates like Sherrill and Spanberger as the key to Democratic success, running as moderate veterans and national security experts who prioritize country over party.
In a political landscape fraught with chaos and division, Democrats view these candidates as a refreshing antidote to the toxic partisanship that plagues Washington. JoAnna Mendoza, a retired US Marine and congressional candidate, emphasizes the importance of veterans continuing to serve their country in times of crisis. Mendoza, along with Rebecca Bennett, Maura Sullivan, and Cait Conley, form a formidable force of military veterans seeking to bring change to Congress.
The enthusiasm generated by these candidates translates into significant fundraising success. Marine and federal prosecutor Ryan Croswell, for instance, raised over $215,000 in the first 48 hours of his campaign launch, signaling strong support for his candidacy. Spanberger and Sherrill, both experienced lawmakers, are leveraging their profiles to propel themselves to higher office, building on their previous successes in flipping the House in 2018.
The Democratic Party’s emphasis on patriotism and public service is a strategic move to connect with voters on a personal level. By highlighting the military and national security backgrounds of their candidates, Democrats aim to dispel the notion that they are weak on defense and security issues. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something, believes that these candidates’ tough backgrounds make them resilient against attacks on their strength and leadership abilities.
Despite the challenges and scrutiny that come with military service in politics, candidates like Rebecca Bennett see their dual identity as veterans and mothers as an asset. Bennett believes that her experiences in the military have equipped her to tackle the toughest challenges, while her role as a mother gives her a unique perspective on issues like high daycare costs.
As the Democratic Party looks towards the future, candidates with military backgrounds offer a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to public service. The Hellcats and their fellow Democratic candidates are poised to make a lasting impact on Congress and the country as a whole.
