The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is baffling fellow Democrats by pouring money into yet another competitive House primary — this time in Arizona. The intervention has sparked frustration among some House Democrats, who question why they pay dues to a committee that may be undermining the party's own candidates.
Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who previously criticized the DCCC for intervening in California, told Axios she is "frustrated" to see the practice in her own backyard. Another House Democrat, speaking anonymously, said the DCCC's endorsement "hurts the message." The committee's track record this cycle has been mixed, with two of its endorsed candidates in California and Maine already losing their primaries.
The DCCC's only notable success came in Texas' 35th District, where its support helped sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia defeat sex therapist Maureen Galindo, who had faced backlash for antisemitic comments. However, some lawmakers argue the committee's involvement may be counterproductive.
One House Democrat told Axios the endorsement might actually work against candidates. The growing internal dissent raises questions about the DCCC's strategy and whether its interventions are alienating party members and voters alike.
Critics argue the DCCC should focus on general election support rather than picking favorites in primaries, a debate that could reshape the committee's role in future cycles.