Name: ‘Hellcats' on a mission to flip the House for Democrats in 2026 | REUTERS
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Kate Connelly is a member of the Hellcats, a group of four Democratic women with military backgrounds running for Congress in next year's midterm elections.

The Hellcats are competing in districts where Democrats hope to flip Republican seats in 2026 in an effort to give their party a majority in the House of Representatives.

Conley is running in New York's 17th district.

As someone who spent 16 years in the military as an activity army officer serving in numerous combat zones, I've led men and women in the service of this country in defense of America and the Constitution.

And so what inspires me, what motivates me, what fires me up to take on this fight is that commitment to making sure that on my watch, America is about freedom for all, equality for all, safety and security for all.

In the early weeks of campaigning, each of the Hellcats, a name that pays homage to the first female Marines of World War I, has embraced a similar message.

Their military training and ethos of service make them uniquely suited to break through Washington's dysfunction during the current Trump administration.

Joanna Mendoza is a retired Marine running for Congress in Arizona's 6th district.

After I left the military and took off the uniform, that oath of service doesn't expire, and

And seeing what is happening to our country right now, I'm answering the call to serve again.

While each woman faces tough challenges ahead in their respective states, campaign strategists say the candidates backgrounds could help them cross partisan divides and neutralize gender stereotypes.

Debbie Walsh is director of the center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University.

When you're someone who has served in the military, has served in combat, under the stress of combat, in situations in Afghanistan or Iraq or anywhere around the world in those hotspots, it is very hard to say.

I'm not sure they're strong enough or tough enough.

It brings instantaneously the credential of leadership, strength, decisiveness, the ability to make hard decisions in tough circumstances.

Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot running in New Jersey's 7th congressional district, says she understands the urgency of the moment.

You know, everything is more expensive, housing, child care, elder care, energy prices.

And I understand the challenges that we are facing in this country because my family is dealing with them too.

And so that's really allowing me to connect with people all across the district.

The fourth Hellcat is Maura Sullivan, a former Marine captain who is running in New Hampshire.

She called it heartbreaking to see Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth undo policies toward women in the military, adding, quote, the men and women of the US Military deserve a leader who believes in them.

The Republican National Committee said none of these Democrats can defeat, quote, battle tested candidates.

Republicans have long held advantages with veteran voters.

A 2024 Pew Research center survey showed that 63% of veteran voters identify with or lean toward the Republic Republican Party, while 35% are Democrats or lean that way.