Democratic congressional hopeful Lisa Kinney campaigns at Johnny J's Diner in Casper, Wyo.on October 19, 2026.
Natalie Behring for NPR hide caption Much ink has been spilled this election cycle about the competitive races that could determine which party controls Congress.But tossup districts represent only a fraction of congressional races.The vast majority — 80% — are rated solid Republican or solid Democrat.
Candidates running against the political grain face an uphill battle, with campaigns marked by limited resources, dwindling donors, and scarce staff.What's it like to run for Congress when political wisdom says you'll probably lose?It's a question Lisa Kinney has heard again and again.She's running as a Democrat for the lone House seat in Wyoming.Since the late 1970s, it has only sent Republicans to Congress."I don't think the people of Wyoming always hear both sides," Kinney says during a day of campaigning in Casper.
"I'm glad to give another opinion.And I'm a Wyomingite, so I'm still moderate no matter what."You wouldn't know it from an ad from her opponent that places her next to progressive figures Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.Kinney says she finds it funny, albeit bemusing."What's he thinking — that we all get together and do socialist stuff?" she chuckles as she walks into Johnny J's to talk to early risers.After perusing the pecan and cinnamon rolls, Kinney makes her way through the crowded diner.
She's met with some hasty "nopes" from people who want to keep politics away from their pancakes — along with a gentleman who says he can't support a party that doesn't back Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a woman who doesn't like Democrats' stance on trans issues.Then she meets Joe Beck, who doesn't identify with either party.He says he's fed up with t...