February 11, 2026

After a high-profile legal battle, six Democratic lawmakers emerged victorious as the Department of Justice failed to secure an indictment against them. The group, which includes two senators and four House members with national security backgrounds, had faced scrutiny for a video urging military servicemembers to disregard illegal orders. This legal win has not only cleared their names but also provided a significant boost to their political and financial strategies.
“We are not done,” Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan declared in a press conference, signaling a continued fight for accountability. Her colleague, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, echoed this sentiment on social media, emphasizing the shift in momentum towards greater accountability.
The failed indictment attempt by Trump’s Justice Department has inadvertently raised the political stakes, especially as the country approaches the midterm elections. These lawmakers, representing key battleground states, have seen their profiles elevated, transforming them into symbols of resistance against what they describe as presidential overreach and attacks on free speech.
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a vocal member of the group, quickly capitalized on this newfound attention. Following the announcement of the grand jury's decision, Slotkin launched a series of fundraising efforts, reinforcing her stance against what she termed a politically motivated investigation. “The investigations kept coming when we were quiet. So, if it's going to be bad when you're quiet, you might as well go on offense and have this conversation publicly,” Slotkin stated in an interview on MS Now.
Democratic strategist Adrienne Elrod highlighted the necessity of leveraging such moments to balance power and secure resources for the upcoming elections. The strategy seems to be working, as evidenced by a POLITICO analysis which pointed to spikes in fundraising aligned with public confrontations with Trump.
Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, also targeted by the DOJ, has not only maintained his political composure but has excelled in fundraising, underscoring the potential benefits of such high-profile conflicts. Kelly's campaign issued a call to arms in fundraising emails, stressing the importance of preparedness to continue their political efforts amidst ongoing legal challenges.
The collective response from these Democrats has been one of defiance and unity, as demonstrated in their public appearances and fundraising campaigns. They frame their experience as a warning of the potential misuse of judicial power for political retribution, a message that resonates with their constituents and supporters alike.
As the midterms loom, the saga may serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in political discourse and the resilience required to navigate the tumultuous waters of American politics today.