WASHINGTON (AP) — As Democrats savor their Election Day victories, some are capitalizing on the victory of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani and calling out party leaders for snubbing progressives, warning that alienating the left could cost them crucial House seats needed to take control and counter President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Democrats gathered for a conference hosted by progressives were sneering at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for shutting down popular new faces based on disagreements over specific issues.
“There are no people, I think right now, who have a worse read on what electable means and less of a pulse on voters than the Democratic establishment,” said Morris Katz, who managed Mamdani’s campaign.
The discussions and jeers at the event Crooked Con, put together by a progressive media company founded by three former President Barack Obama aides, followed wins in swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, indicating shifting allegiance among key voter groups, including young people and minorities.
“There's just a lot of fear around progressive policies that’s misunderstood,” noted U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari from Arizona, highlighting the populist support for progressive ideas, even among right-leaning individuals.
Attendees called for a focus on affordability and a rejection of Trump’s economic policies, advocating for calculated risks over excessive analysis.
Echoing these sentiments, former President Barack Obama implored Democrats “not to impose litmus tests” when discussing the party's varied factions. He reiterated the need for unifying efforts towards community engagement and dignity for all.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin expressed his confidence in Mamdani, emphasizing the need to support his initiatives despite the lack of an endorsement from Schumer. Mamdani's progressive stances have stirred concern among some party elites, particularly his outspoken views on Israel.
As 2028 presidential hopefuls express dissatisfaction with internal divisions, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego remarked that such 'internal pearl clutching' is not a concern for Republicans, stressing that voters care more about representation and trust rather than labels. “They think, ‘Is this person going to fight for me?’” Gallego asserted, advocating a shift in focus for the party.
Democrats gathered for a conference hosted by progressives were sneering at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for shutting down popular new faces based on disagreements over specific issues.
“There are no people, I think right now, who have a worse read on what electable means and less of a pulse on voters than the Democratic establishment,” said Morris Katz, who managed Mamdani’s campaign.
The discussions and jeers at the event Crooked Con, put together by a progressive media company founded by three former President Barack Obama aides, followed wins in swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, indicating shifting allegiance among key voter groups, including young people and minorities.
“There's just a lot of fear around progressive policies that’s misunderstood,” noted U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari from Arizona, highlighting the populist support for progressive ideas, even among right-leaning individuals.
Attendees called for a focus on affordability and a rejection of Trump’s economic policies, advocating for calculated risks over excessive analysis.
Echoing these sentiments, former President Barack Obama implored Democrats “not to impose litmus tests” when discussing the party's varied factions. He reiterated the need for unifying efforts towards community engagement and dignity for all.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin expressed his confidence in Mamdani, emphasizing the need to support his initiatives despite the lack of an endorsement from Schumer. Mamdani's progressive stances have stirred concern among some party elites, particularly his outspoken views on Israel.
As 2028 presidential hopefuls express dissatisfaction with internal divisions, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego remarked that such 'internal pearl clutching' is not a concern for Republicans, stressing that voters care more about representation and trust rather than labels. “They think, ‘Is this person going to fight for me?’” Gallego asserted, advocating a shift in focus for the party.
