The Rise of ‘Hellcats’ in Democratic Politics
When Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, the ‘Hellcats’ group chat of aspiring female congresswomen celebrated. Named after the pioneering female Marines of World War I, all four women in the chat bring military experience to their 2026 congressional campaigns.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, embodies inspiration for the next generation of Democratic candidates seeking to reclaim the House in 2026. Alongside Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, Sherrill represents the shift towards moderate veterans and national security experts as party standard-bearers.
Building a New Democratic Narrative
According to Dan Sena, former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, candidates like Sherrill and Spanberger exemplify the winning formula for tough districts. By emphasizing service over partisanship, these candidates resonate with voters seeking leadership grounded in patriotism.
JoAnna Mendoza, a retired US Marine and ‘Hellcats’ member challenging Rep. Juan Ciscomani, highlights the ongoing commitment of veterans to country amidst political turmoil. The group also includes Rebecca Bennett, Maura Sullivan, and Cait Conley, all former military personnel running on platforms that blend public service with political ambition.
Enthusiasm Translates to Funding
The enthusiasm surrounding these candidates translates into significant fundraising success. Marine veteran Ryan Croswell’s campaign launch in Pennsylvania generated over $215,000 within 48 hours, showcasing grassroots support for military candidates.
Spanberger and Sherrill, leveraging their profiles from past victories, are poised for higher offices, following the wave that helped Democrats win the House in 2018. Their experiences reflect a broader trend where national security backgrounds become assets in electoral battles.
Shifting the Democratic Narrative
Patriotism emerges as a central theme for Democrats as they reclaim the narrative on national security and toughness. By fielding candidates with military and security expertise, the party counters perceptions of weakness and elitism that have plagued past campaigns.
Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something, notes how veterans like Sherrill and Bennett naturally embody strength without resorting to rhetoric, fostering authenticity in their political personas.
Challenges and Opportunities
While military backgrounds offer distinct advantages, they also present challenges. Past examples like John Kerry and Tim Walz highlight the complexities of balancing military service with political scrutiny. However, candidates like Bennett, juggling military duty with motherhood, bring a unique perspective to issues like childcare costs.
As ‘Hellcats’ and other veteran candidates reshape the Democratic landscape, their stories of service and sacrifice resonate with voters seeking leadership rooted in experience and integrity.
