February 24, 2026

Democratic Candidates Call for Open Primaries and Voter-Led Nominations

Leaders across the country warn that state and national Democratic party intervention undermines trust, grassroots energy, and democratic legitimacy

On February 23rd, the Democratic Party’s campaign arm - the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) - announced its first wave of candidates selected for its “Red to Blue” program. According to the DCCC, these candidates will receive strategic guidance, staffing resources, training, and fundraising support to strengthen their general election prospects.

But such early institutional backing also carries significant influence in the primary process — often shaping fundraising pipelines, access, and perceived viability before voters have had the opportunity to evaluate the full field. Across the country, Democratic candidates are raising concerns about a growing pattern of early intervention in primary elections from the DCCC — a trend they say risks weakening voter trust and diminishing the role of voters in selecting their own nominees.

In multiple states and districts, party leadership has signaled preferred candidates well before voters have had the opportunity to evaluate the full field. Through early infrastructure support, fundraising advantages, and institutional backing, these actions show that outcomes are being shaped before ballots are cast.

“Primaries are not an inconvenience, they are the foundation of democratic legitimacy,” said a coalition of candidates aligned on the issue. “Constituents deserve the opportunity to compare ideas, hear open debate, and decide for themselves who will represent them rather than being told who to vote for.”

Candidates emphasize that their concern is not opposition to party infrastructure or general election strategy. Rather, they argue that legitimacy in the primary depends on fairness and openness in the months prior.

“You cannot argue that democracy is on the ballot in November while narrowing democracy in the primaries from now through August,” the coalition states. “If a candidate is strong, they should be able to earn support in open competition. Protecting them from competition is not confidence”

Over the past decade, many Democratic voters have expressed frustration with what they perceived as insider-driven decision-making. Candidates calling for reform say restoring confidence begins with reaffirming a simple principle: trust voters.

“Parties play an important role in building infrastructure and supporting nominees, but voters must choose those nominees freely. Open primaries, transparent processes, and robust debate are not obstacles to victory — they are the path to it. The Democratic Party will be strongest when voters, not insiders, choose its nominees.”

Coalition of Candidates:

Iman Bah, AZ-06

Travis Terrell, IA-01

Xavier Carrigan, IA-03

Diop Harris, MI-04

Zelda Briarwood, NC-11

Dr. Richard Hudspeth, NC-11

Paul Maddox NC-11

Dr. Joyce E. Neal, TN-05

Dr. Jim Torino, TN-05

Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, VA-01

Salaam Bhatti, VA-01

Lewis Littlepage, VA-01

Mel Tull, VA-01

Dr. Nila Devanath, VA-02

Patrick Mosolf, VA-02

Matt Strickler, VA-02

Emily Berge, WI-03