Two Former Members Announce Comeback Bids

By Alexis Levinson

Posted April 2, 2015 at 11:28am

Two former House Democrats ousted in 2014 announced Friday they’re giving it another go.

Former Reps. Pete Gallego of Texas and Brad Schneider of Illinois released statements within minutes of each other confirming they will challenge the freshman Republicans who defeated them in the midterms. Gallego lost re-election by 2 points to Republican Will Hurd in Texas’ 23rd District. Schneider lost to Republican Robert J. Dold by a 4-point margin in Illinois’ 10th District.

“I am going to run and I am going to win,” Gallego said in a statement.

Before facing Dold for a third straight election, Schneider will have to get through a primary first: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering also announced a bid for the seat. But his campaign announcement included an endorsement from Illinois Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who recently announced her Senate campaign .

“He is a staunch supporter of a woman’s right to choose, protecting the environment, and promoting equality,” Duckworth said. “I look forward to seeing him on the campaign trail.”

The 10th is a crucial swing district for Duckworth should she face Republican Sen. Mark S. Kirk, who represented it while in the House.

Gallego and Schneider’s announcements are wins for national Democrats who recruited them to run again with a more favorable presidential turnout.

Democrats need a net gain of 30 seats to win the majority.