The Blue Dog coalition was established in the wake of the 1994 Republican takeover of Congress in an effort to bring a more conservative — and some would argue more mainstream — voice to the Democratic Party. Born from the old “Dixiecrats,” members of this coalition were mainly from the South.

Total Blue Dogs after each election

Their membership roster grew to a record 54 members by 2008. In response to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many of these members were challenged by the left in the 2010 primaries and more conservative Republicans in the general election. The result left after the 2010 elections a mere 26 Blue Dog members — a number reduced to 15 by the 2014 elections. Today, 18 members grace the caucus, but leaders are hoping to increase their numbers by running more Blue Dogs in swing districts in the upcoming election.

Current make-up of House Democrats

Democrats need 24 seats to take back the House in November. To do so, they will need to woo working-class voters who flocked to President Donald Trump during the 2016 election by running more moderate candidates in conservative areas where Democrats have lost ground. They argue Republicans took back the House in 2010 because moderates reclaimed control from the more conservative tea party. They want a similar response from the more liberal faction they feel has control over the Democratic Party.

Current Blue Dog roster

Blue Dogs have historically frustrated the national party as they frequently work with Republicans and vote against party policy. During the 2010 ACA debate, 34 members chose to vote with Republicans against the proposal. This unpredictability, and lack of ability to toe the party line, results in little immediate support in the party.

Despite this, Blue Dogs have recently seen some success: during the 2016 elections, Democrats picked up six House seats, four of which are held by Blue Dogs. Two of those seats also were in districts that voted for President Trump. It seems the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has taken notice and is working with Blue Dogs to recruit more moderate candidates to run in districts barely won by President Trump or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

After 15 months, we will find out if this new tactic ultimately causes more Democrats to be elected and the chamber to revert back to Democratic control.

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