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

In the 2026 midterms, Democrats are banking on a group of military veterans to reclaim the patriotism narrative, traditionally held by the GOP. These veterans aim to leverage their service records to connect with voters and challenge the prevailing narrative that Republicans have dominated. This strategy could reshape how patriotism is perceived in American politics, potentially influencing voter turnout and election outcomes. By highlighting their military experiences, these candidates may shift public perception and redefine what it means to be patriotic in contemporary political discourse.