WASHINGTON — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding three more candidates to its “Red to Blue” program for top recruits, including an independent running in red-leaning Alaska and a progressive seeking a battleground seat in Michigan.

The additions bring the DCCC program up to 40 candidates as the party grows increasingly optimistic of its chances of flipping the House this fall.

The latest House hopefuls to make the list are Bill Hill, a commercial fisherman and former regional school superintendent seeking Alaska’s At-Large District; Will Lawrence, a progressive activist running in Michigan’s 7th; and Mitchell Berman, an emergency room nurse bidding for Wisconsin’s 1st.

“The three candidates added to our Red to Blue program today represent the very best of their communities — unbought, practical leaders who know what it takes to win in tough districts,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene of Washington said in a statement. “With less than 50 days until the election, voters are ready to send a clear message to House Republicans and elect new leaders that will fight for them.”

The DCCC has expanded its Red to Blue program several times since releasing its initial list of a dozen challengers in February. Chosen candidates are eligible for additional resources and support.

In Alaska, Hill is running as an independent, not a Democrat. That’s a strategy centrist candidates have adopted in other red states where the Democratic brand has struggled. Republicans have accused these candidates of trying to hide their partisan ties — the Alaska GOP chair recently referred to Hill as a “Democrat in the witness protection program” and a “Fake Independent.”

Hill has positioned himself as a pragmatist with an “Alaska first” agenda as he challenges Republican freshman Nick Begich. He finished second to Begich in the August all-party primary but ahead of Anchorage pastor Matt Schultz, a Democrat who dropped out before the primary and endorsed Hill. Also making the November ballot were Democrat Eric Hafner, a perennial candidate who currently resides in a federal prison in New York, and Libertarian Jim McDermott.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Likely Republican.

In Michigan, Lawrence is challenging freshman GOP Rep. Tom Barrett in one of the nation’s swingiest districts. A co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement, Lawrence won the Democratic nomination for the Lansing-based 7th District last month with 44 percent, as two more moderate rivals split the remaining vote.

He’s drawn scrutiny in recent weeks over his past social media posts espousing far-left positions, including signaling support for abolishing the police and prisons. But his addition to the Red to Blue program underscores that Democrats remain hopeful about flipping the seat, which Trump carried by less than 2 points in 2024.

Inside Elections rates the race a Toss-up.

Berman, meanwhile, is challenging Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil in the 1st District south of Milwaukee. Steil, a fourth-term Republican, enjoyed a massive financial advantage over the Democrat toward the end of July, with $6.3 million in his war chest compared with $152,000 for Berman, who had to get through a competitive primary. Steil has also routinely outrun the top of the ticket in previous elections. He won reelection in 2024 by 10 points, while Trump carried the seat by 4 points.

Inside Elections rates the race Solid Republican.

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