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Can Democratic veterans running for Congress reclaim the patriotism narrative from the GOP?

Published June 27, 2026 · Updated June 27, 2026 · By Robert Thomas

Can Democratic Veterans Running for Congress Reclaim the Patriotism Narrative from the GOP?

Can Democratic veterans running for Congress - In the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, a growing number of military veterans who have joined the Democratic Party are positioning themselves as champions of a broader, more inclusive vision of patriotism. This effort comes amid a notable gap in public sentiment, with recent polling suggesting that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to express pride in their nation. The shift has sparked a strategic campaign by veteran Democrats to reframe the patriotic narrative, emphasizing service, integrity, and a commitment to improving the country—qualities they argue are not confined to any single political party.

Patriotism in Political Polls

An Ipsos survey conducted earlier this year highlighted this divide. When asked whether the phrase "I feel proud to be an American" accurately described them, 63% of Republicans affirmed it, while only 14% of Democrats did. Similarly, 65% of Republicans agreed that "there's no place I'd rather live than the U.S." captured their sentiment, compared to 19% of Democrats. These statistics underscore a growing perception that patriotism is increasingly associated with the Republican Party, a narrative that Democrats seeking to challenge this trend are now actively trying to counter.

The Role of Veteran Candidates

For many veteran Democrats, the goal is to demonstrate that loyalty to the nation can coexist with dissent toward its leadership. Nancy Lacore, a retired vice admiral and former Chief of Navy Reserve, is one such candidate running in South Carolina. After being removed from her position by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in 2025, she has framed her campaign as a testament to her enduring commitment to service. "It's silly to think patriotism belongs to one party," Lacore told ABC News. "Patriotism is rooted in action—like fighting for your country, not just waving a flag at rallies." Her words reflect a common refrain among veteran Democrats: that true patriotism demands accountability and a willingness to advocate for progress.

Patriotism as a Shared Duty

Leela Gray, a retired Army brigadier general, is vying to flip Florida’s 13th Congressional District, currently held by Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. Gray, who spent three decades in uniform, emphasized that patriotism transcends political labels. "When I served, I didn’t care if someone was a Democrat or Republican," she said. "What mattered was whether they could be trusted to stand beside you in the field." This perspective aligns with her campaign’s focus on unity and common values, positioning her as a bridge between the military’s ethos and the Democratic Party’s platform.

Challenging the "Lost Plot" Narrative

Patrick Schmidt, a former naval intelligence officer and state senator in Kansas, is another Democratic candidate seeking to redefine patriotism. Running in a competitive race against Sen. Roger Marshall, Schmidt dismissed the idea that Democrats have lost their connection to national pride. "We’re not trying to reclaim patriotism—we’re trying to expand it," he argued. "Patriotism isn’t about blind loyalty; it’s about engaging with people, listening to their concerns, and working to address them." His comments highlight a broader strategy among veteran Democrats to separate their critique of policies from a lack of national devotion.

Noah Taylor, a former Army infantryman and counterintelligence analyst from El Dorado, Kansas, further reinforced this message. As a co-founder of the nonpartisan group Leading Kansas, Taylor believes the debate over patriotism has become overly polarized. "We stopped talking about what makes America great," he said. "Patriotism means being willing to question the status quo to make it stronger." His view underscores a key challenge for Democrats: to show that their focus on governance and improvement is itself a form of patriotic duty.

Putting Service First

Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and Air National Guard member, is running in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District against GOP Rep. Tom Kean. Bennett, who won the Democratic nomination in early June, explicitly ties her service to her political mission. "I love this country," she said. "That’s why I joined the military and why I’m here now. My patriotism isn’t about silence—it’s about speaking up when I see something that needs fixing." Her campaign has made this message central, appealing to voters who may question whether Democrats are truly invested in national interests.

These candidates are not only leveraging their military experience but also addressing the skepticism that has taken root in some quarters. While the poll data suggests Democrats feel less proud of the country overall, veteran Democrats argue that this is partly due to frustration with the current administration’s policies. "The most patriotic duty you have is to question," Taylor added. "It’s not about being a cheerleader—it’s about being a problem-solver." This sentiment is echoed by others, who see their critiques as a natural extension of their duty to serve the public good.

Reclaiming the Narrative

As the 2026 elections approach, the battle over the patriotism narrative is intensifying. Veteran Democrats are determined to show that their dedication to the nation’s values is just as strong as that of their Republican counterparts. For them, the key lies in emphasizing shared principles—such as the Constitution, national security, and the spirit of service—that cut across party lines. By doing so, they hope to shift the conversation from partisan rivalry to collective responsibility, proving that patriotism can be a unifying force rather than a divisive one.

Despite the challenges, these candidates are optimistic. "I believe people are tired of seeing the military used as a political tool," Lacore said. "They want to see leaders who are loyal to the country, not just to a slogan." Their message is clear: patriotism is not a zero-sum game. It is a lifelong commitment, one that requires both action and reflection. As they campaign, they are not only seeking to win seats but also to redefine what it means to be a patriot in an increasingly divided political landscape.

Can Democratic veterans running for Congress reclaim the patriotism narrative from the GOP?