First in The Blast: National Democrats are further zeroing in on two traditionally Republican congressional districts in Texas.

Today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding 21st District candidate Joseph Kopser and 2nd District hopeful Todd Litton to its Red to Blue program, which gives fundraising and organizational support to candidates running to flip GOP-held districts. The designation is a significant boost for Kopser and Litton, who previously occupied spots on the DCCC's Majority Makers list.

Ben Ray Luján, the New Mexico congressman who chairs the DCCC, said in statements that Kopser and Litton have built strong enough campaigns to put their districts in play.

“As a veteran and successful entrepreneur, Joseph Kopser has proven that he is willing to put in the work to solve problems and make his community stronger," Luján said of Kopser. Of Litton, Luján added, "A community leader and innovator, Todd Litton has dedicated himself to building a strong community that gives every child and family the opportunity to succeed."

Both Kopser and Litton are in open-seat races. Kopser is running against Republican Chip Roy to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, while Litton is competing against GOPer Dan Crenshaw for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Houston.

Kopser and Litton join four other Red to Blue candidates in Texas: Colin Allred (32nd District), Lizzie Fletcher (7th District), MJ Hegar (31st District) and Gina Ortiz Jones (23rd District).

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Disclosure: Joseph Kopser has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.