Record 258 Veterans on 2026 Ballot for Congress, With Honor Action Says

Military Times reports that 258 military veterans are on the ballot for Congress this year, a record number, according to the group With Honor Action.

Snapshot

Military Times reports With Honor Action's count of a record 258 veterans running for Congress, breaking the total down by chamber, party, gender and open seats and comparing it with earlier cycles. The group's leader says it supports veterans across the political spectrum, and a survey it ran with Gallup found broad public trust in people with military experience to serve well in office.

Key points

• Chambers: The House race has 227 of them and the Senate 31. That compares with 213 in 2024, a 21% rise, and 195 in 2022.
• Primaries: Over 750 veterans entered primaries, 47% more than in 2024. About one-fifth of congressional seats are held by veterans.
• Party split: Republicans number 115, Democrats 80, and independents or third-party candidates 63.
• Women: Thirty-eight women are running: 21 Democrats, eight Republicans and nine independents, up from 21 in 2024.
• Open seats: 191 seek open seats. About a quarter are incumbents.

Quick take

With Honor Action CEO Rye Barcott, a former Marine officer, said the group backs veterans across the political spectrum. A July Gallup and With Honor Action survey found 77% of Americans trust people with military experience to perform well in office.

Read the full story at Military Times.