EMILY's List endorses first five candidates of 2026 cycle

By Michael O'Brien

The powerhouse liberal group EMILY's List made its first official endorsements of the 2026 cycle, promoting five female candidates to receive the group's official backing. 

EMILY's List announced it would endorse five Democrats — Tammy Duckworth in Illinois's 8th congressional district, Lois Frankel in Florida's 22nd, Ann McLane Kuster in New Hampshire's 2nd, Ann Kirkpatrick in Arizona's 1st and Christy Vilsack in Iowa's 4th district. 

“Tammy Duckworth, Lois Frankel, Annie Kuster, Ann Kirkpatrick and Christy Vilsack represent five key districts to winning back the House next November," said Stephanie Schriock, the group's president, in a statement. "These five strong Democratic women are running fantastic campaigns, getting voters energized and are eager to bring their voices to Washington. EMILY’s List couldn’t be more thrilled to throw our full support behind them to help make 2026 another ‘Year of the Woman.'

All five candidates had previously been on the group's "On the List" designation, a preliminary state of support for candidates. And now, all five have the advantage of EMILY's List's formal backing.

Each of the candidates comes from a district where she can expect to face tough reelection campaigns against Republican incumbents, and EMILY's List's support could help tip the race in the Democrat's favor, with the financial support the group can help a candidate amass.

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