Democrats and Republicans are looking to military veterans to help them pick up seats in next year’s congressional elections.

Strategists say that veterans can capitalize on the public’s high regard for military service and the public’s disdain for Washington.

In some of the most competitive House races, Democrats are pushing eight challengers who either served in the military or continue to do so through the National Guard or Reserves.

The GOP is championing five veterans.

Veterans are running in closely watched races in Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona.