The Hell Cats: A New Force in Democratic Politics Aiming to Flip the House
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Democrats are eager to replicate past successes with a fresh roster of candidates. Among them is a dynamic group known as "The Hell Cats," comprising a quartet of female military veterans determined to reclaim the House for the Democratic Party.
Who Are The Hell Cats?
The Hell Cats are four first-term lawmakers and congressional hopefuls:
- Maura Sullivan – A former U.S. Marine Corps captain and Iraq War veteran running in New Hampshire.
- Rebecca Bennett – A candidate representing New Jersey.
- JoAnna Mendoza – Competing for a seat in Arizona.
- Cait Conley – A hopeful in New York’s Hudson Valley Region.
These candidates are strategically targeting critical toss-up districts, aiming to bring progressive firepower to Congress.
A Powerful Legacy
In an introductory video shared on X, Maura Sullivan articulated their mission: “We’ve served our country in uniform. Now we are stepping up to serve in Congress.” The group draws its name from a historical brigade of women known as the "Lady Hell Cats," who were recruited during World War I. These women broke barriers by achieving equal pay with male counterparts in the military, marking a significant moment in women’s service history.
Key Highlights of the Original Lady Hell Cats:
- Equality: They fought for equal pay for women in military roles, a radical concept at the time.
- Impact: Their efforts paved the way for future generations of women in the armed forces.
JoAnna Mendoza emphasized this connection in an interview, stating, “We’re reviving their legacy — but this time, to defend the country we love from division and corruption.”
Challenges and Criticism
Despite their ambitious goals, The Hell Cats have faced criticism. In response to their announcement, many comments reflected a negative sentiment, particularly from Republican supporters. One commenter accused them of leveraging their military service for political gain, while another ridiculed their comparison to historical trailblazers.
Example Comments:
- “You’re a bunch of washed-up veterans trying to leverage your service for political gain.”
- “The audacity to compare yourselves to the first female Marines of World War I is laughable.”
Reshaping the Democratic Landscape
The emergence of The Hell Cats marks a new chapter in the evolution of female Democratic politicians. This follows the rise of the original "Squad" after the 2018 midterms, which transformed the narrative around progressive policies with bold initiatives like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All.
The Original Squad’s Impact:
- Progressive Policies: They have pushed ambitious platforms into mainstream discussion.
- Diverse Membership: Over time, the Squad grew to include voices like Greg Casar and Summer Lee.
In contrast, the 2018 cycle also birthed a more centrist group known as the "Badasses." These moderate Democratic women, such as Elissa Slotkin and Abigail Spanberger, focused on bipartisan solutions and national security. Many of those centrist figures have since moved on to hold other significant offices.
Looking Ahead: Goals of The Hell Cats
The Hell Cats are aspiring to emulate the successes of their predecessors, focusing on collaboration and patriotism over partisanship. Cait Conley articulated their vision: “America needs leaders that will put country above politics and patriotism above partisanship.” Having dedicated years in military service, they are committed to safeguarding the values they fought for.
Key Goals:
- Reclaiming the House: Aiming to turn critical districts blue.
- Promoting Unity: Advocating for collaboration across party lines.
The Hell Cats’ entrance into the political arena signifies a renewed commitment to progressive values and a dedication to serving the American public. As 2026 approaches, attention will be on their campaign strategies and the potential for shifting the balance of power in Congress.
For further insights on the evolving political landscape, visit CNN Politics or Politico.
