After an election cycle that did not fare well for the party nationwide, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is preparing for the next one, releasing its 2025-26 target map on Tuesday.

The map seeks to pinpoint areas of the country where the DLCC feels Democrats must focus their attention and resources to strengthen its “firewall” in state legislatures and provide a counterbalance to Republican Washington, D.C.

The DLCC is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure.

Five of the battleground identified by the DLCC were each decided in the last election cycle by a single seat, including Pennsylvania.

“Our nation is at a critical juncture amid this dangerous new era of Republican power in Washington,” said DLCC President Heather Williams in a statement. “In our nation’s state legislatures, there continue to be real opportunities to advance Democratic priorities and combat the dysfunction of the Trump administration. This is the only level of government where Democrats hold majorities and can proactively move policy forward that improves lives. Not only that, but this ballot level will determine the redistricting process in 2030, and we must start laying that groundwork now.”

In addition to the Commonwealth, the DLCC identified Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia, and Wisconsin as chambers that Democrats “must win and defend this cycle.” Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives currently stands in a 101-101 deadlock awaiting a special election in HD-35 to replace the late Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny). While it is expected that the special will go blue, it shows the tenuous majority that Democrats have and why the DLCC has earmarked resources toward the Keystone State.

“These high stakes, alongside the DLCC’s extensive data and experience, guide the approach to the 2025-2026 cycle,” continued Williams. “The DLCC sets the map and strategy to build Democratic power in the states each cycle, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously. Many chamber majorities across our battleground map rest on a razor’s edge, so chambers can be won by just a handful of seats and votes. It is mission-critical that statehouses are prioritized so we can compete in upcoming special elections and build power across the country. The future for millions of Americans is at stake on our target map amid this existential moment for our nation.”

The Republican State Leadership Committee responded to the DLCC’s release of its target list.

“We’re just weeks into the new year, and it’s becoming clear why State Democrats have lost the trust of many Americans,” said RSLC President Edith Jorge-Tuñón. “They offer no real solutions for working-class families, leaving them to struggle, while state Republicans are actively outlining a bold agenda that focuses on lowering taxes, securing our borders, and ensuring the safety of our communities. The Democratic Party from top to bottom is currently in disarray, while state Republicans are proving themselves to be the reliable choice for putting America back on the right path.”

updated to include RSLC comment