Former 2018 Democrats Launch Comebacks as Parties Gear Up for 2026

Three Democrats who won seats during the 2018 wave — Ben McAdams (Utah), Tom Malinowski (New Jersey) and Elaine Luria (Virginia) — have launched bids to return to Congress. Each served a single term before losing re-election in 2020 or 2022, and now they are running on messages that mix affordability concerns with appeals to public service and defending democratic norms.

Their comeback campaigns echo the circumstances of 2018, when first-time and public-service-focused candidates helped Democrats flip 40 House seats. But the terrain in 2026 looks different: the pool of competitive districts has narrowed, midcycle redistricting has reshaped some battlegrounds, and many primary voters are prioritizing candidates who will challenge the current administration rather than seek bipartisan compromise.

Different paths, common themes

Malinowski, a former State Department official who defeated a four-term Republican in 2018, is running in a crowded Democratic primary for a seat being vacated by Mikie Sherrill. McAdams, who narrowly beat Rep. Mia Love in 2018, is seeking a seat in a newly drawn, heavily Democratic district. Luria is pursuing a rematch with Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans; that race is currently a toss-up but could shift if Virginia adopts a proposed redistricting plan that would likely favor Democrats.

All three emphasize affordability and the idea of public service, arguing that retaking the House is necessary to check presidential power and protect democratic institutions. They also face tougher intra-party dynamics than in 2018, when moderates were often the most electable in swing districts. Today, they must win competitive primaries in districts that are increasingly blue rather than purple.

Primary battles and endorsements

None of the former members has cleared their primary fields. In New Jersey, Malinowski secured Sen. Andy Kim's endorsement while Governor Phil Murphy backed a different candidate. In Utah, several Democrats are expected to compete for the nomination. In Virginia, one challenger dropped out and endorsed Luria, but Navy reservist James Osyf launched a campaign asserting that fresh leadership is needed.

“This moment demands new leaders who know democracy is at a breaking point and are ready to fight for it,” Osyf said.

Republican operatives have derided the comeback bids. Mike Marinella, a spokesman for House Republicans' campaign arm, criticized the trio as "repeat losers," highlighting the partisan pushback the former members will face.

Shifts in positions

Both McAdams and Luria have adjusted past stances that were politically sensitive. Luria, who once dismissed a congressional stock trading ban in blunt terms while in office, now supports proposals to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks, citing public distrust of elected officials.

“I can see... the absolute distrust that people have in current members of Congress and the government,” Luria said, adding that a trading ban is a small step to rebuild trust.

McAdams has moved on abortion policy as well. Previously he described following his faith's restrictions on abortion; he now says he would support federal legislation to codify the protections previously provided under Roe v. Wade because the Supreme Court's reversal created significant legal upheaval.

Outlook

Their campaigns test whether there remains room in Democratic primaries for pragmatic moderates or whether the party’s base will favor candidates more willing to confront the administration. Party strategists point to recent state-level wins as momentum, but these comeback bids will be decided in competitive primaries and changing district maps.

“My style of governing doesn’t change based on the politics of where I’m running,” McAdams said, summarizing the pragmatic approach all three candidates emphasize as they attempt to re-enter a transformed political landscape.