BRIEFING ROOM

These are the candidates facing the toughest odds, the highest stakes, and the greatest opportunity to create change in November. They need our support!

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Johnny Garcia (for TX-35)

Johnny Garcia is a longtime Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy running as a Democrat for Texas’ open 35th Congressional District. His nearly two decades in law enforcement include serving as a SWAT hostage negotiator and leading a second-chance program for incarcerated individuals. After seeing the toll of gun violence firsthand in San Antonio, Johnny became a strong advocate for universal background checks and educating the public about red flag laws and other gun safety measures.

Redistricting has significantly reshaped this seat. However, Democrats have set their sights on overcoming the GOP gerrymander that created the Hispanic-majority district. Hispanic voters have abandoned Trump since he took office, so the seat is considered one of the more interesting Democratic pickup opportunities in Texas.

Dems are hopeful that with the right resources and Johnny’s strong message and appeal, we can pick up this seat and help build a blue wave in November. The Senate race will also boost Dem turnout and enthusiasm. A win here in the Lone Star State will help Democrats take back the House.

JAC members will be going to San Antonio, Texas, the weekend of 10/16 to help get out the vote for both Johnny Garcia and James Talarico for the U.S. Senate. If you are interested in joining us, email info@jacpac.org. 

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Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-25)

Jared Moskowitz is one of Congress's strongest supporters of Israel. He decisively defeated a staunchly anti-Israel candidate in the primary, positioning him well with the district’s sizable Jewish community. Jared was first elected to Congress in 2022 and easily won reelection in 2024. He is now running in the newly redrawn FL-25, a highly competitive district that Trump carried by nine points in 2024 after losing it by five points in 2020. With control of the House at stake, this is a true toss-up and a must-win seat for Democrats.

Jared is a former state legislator and a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Following the tragic 2018 mass shooting at his alma mater, he became a leading advocate for gun safety and mental health reform. He has also built his political career by working across the aisle and standing up to extremists in both the Democratic and Republican parties.

He has already proven he can win in South Florida, but even with his strong name recognition and electoral track record, this race is expected to be extremely competitive.

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Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9)

Darren Soto, a former Florida state senator, was first elected to Congress in 2016. Redistricting has dramatically reshaped his district, transforming what was once a solidly Democratic seat into one that now leans Republican. However, in 2024, Darren outperformed Kamala Harris by nine points in the district.

Darren has been a strong supporter of Israel and an important voice on antisemitism, reproductive freedom, and voting rights. As a Puerto Rican leader with deep roots in Central Florida, Soto brings a distinctive voice and perspective to Congress at a time when Democrats must rebuild support among Latino voters. As an ally of the Jewish community, he plays a key role in strengthening ties with Puerto Ricans. 

He is facing a Navy veteran and former deputy assistant secretary at the Pentagon who emerged from a crowded GOP primary with just 25% of the vote. Republicans have identified this race as a top pickup opportunity, making it a key battleground. But Soto has proven he is a strong campaigner, and protecting this seat is a top priority.

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