Six battleground Democrats break ranks to vote for shutdown-ending bill despite party opposition

On Nov. 12, 2025, six House Democrats from competitive districts voted with Republicans to pass the shutdown-ending funding bill, defying their party leadership and the 207 Democrats who voted no. The group—Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Jared Golden (ME), Greg Landsman (OH), Wiley Nickel (NC), Mary Peltola (AK), and Brad Sorensen (UT)—argued that constituents needed reopened agencies immediately, even though the bill included GOP policy riders on hemp, FAA caps, and Senate lawsuit protections. Their votes weren't needed for passage but highlighted the political pressure facing Democrats in swing districts heading into 2026 midterms.