Carville says he'd prefer GOP House win over DSA influence
The gist
Democratic strategist James Carville said he'd rather Republicans keep the House by five seats than Democrats win by five.
The remark resurfaced as he attacked a Democratic lawmaker, fueling a party-direction fight.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026Carville said on "The Bulwark Takes" he would rather Republicans keep the House by five seats than Democrats win by five, saying a slim win would leave Democrats "hostage to the DSA."
- Oct 19, 2026Carville said he would be disappointed if Democrats won 225 House seats, saying "margin matters a lot."
- Oct 21, 2026The Nation reported the remark and noted The Daily Beast ran it under the headline "Top Dem Strategist Makes Shock Midterms Wish."