Democrats Release 2026 Midterm Fundraising Totals

The Democratic National Committee raised $11.4 million at the end of March compared with $21.2 million by the Republican National Committee. The RNC also holds nearly eight times more cash on hand, with $116 million versus the DNC's $13.8 million, while the Democrats carry $18 million in debt.

Insiders have discussed removing the current DNC chair but paused those plans after failing to identify a replacement. Some Democrats have expressed frustration over spending decisions during the 2024 election cycle. A resolution under consideration would require the chair to rein in spending and balance the budget.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has told donors she wants the DNC to release an autopsy report of her 2024 campaign, though the chair has indicated he prefers to keep it under wraps. Harris has also expressed interest in weighing in on Middle East policy but not until after the 2026 midterms.

One author and television host noted that proving electability remains difficult for such candidates, who must demonstrate they can win. "Proving electability will again be tricky, though, for Harris and any nonwhite, non-male candidate," the host said.

Some attribute Harris's 2024 difficulties in part to her inability to distance herself from Biden. One former Biden White House staffer now running for Congress credited the former president's leadership and policies as sorely missed amid current economic concerns.

Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Fleming Kleeb highlighted Biden's contributions to infrastructure.

In a separate development, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System denied 116,587 purchases in 2023 but produced only 14 indictments and five convictions. The House is scheduled to vote on legislation that would require the Department of Justice to collect data on errors in the background check system.

The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously. About 33% of Black males and 18% of Hispanic males have felony records, compared with 12% of American men overall. "This incredibly high rate of false positives imposes a real burden on the most vulnerable people," said Reagan Dunn, first national coordinator for Project Safe Neighborhoods.

The legislation's sponsor argues the data collection will highlight problems and lead to fixes that better target actual threats while reducing burdens on law-abiding citizens seeking to protect themselves.