Justice Democrats enter a sixth 2026 House race in their next wave of challenges to Democratic Party incumbents

Dec. 4, 2025

Leftist Democrats are stepping up their challenge against incumbents as the party faces pressure from progressives. Thus far, Justice Democrats have announced challenges to U.S. Reps. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn. 9), Jimmy Gomez (D-Cal. 34), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich. 13), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y. 13), Wesley Bell (D-Mo. 1), and Diana DeGette (D-Col. 1).

Further Reading :

• Justice Democrats backs a sixth House primary challenger, this time against Rep. Diana DeGette [NBC News]
  Dec. 4, 2025 — The group is endorsing more challengers amid broader interest in new leadership across the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
• Hispanic Caucus chair becomes latest House Dem to draw a primary foe [Axios]
  Nov. 20, 2025 — Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday became the latest House Democrat being targeted by a leftist primary challenger. His challenger, 31-year-old community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier, is backed by Justice Democrats, a group that helped several "Squad" members in their initial bids for Congress.
• Justice Democrats launch new primary challenge [POLITICO]
  April 28, 2025 — Justice Democrats is endorsing a Michigan state lawmaker’s primary challenge against Rep. Shri Thanedar. It's a sign the progressive group is gearing up for primary challenges again after playing defense last cycle.

Key Words :

• Adriano Espaillat
• Donavan McKinney
• Justice Democrats
• Melat Kiros