Progressive primary victories have corporate Democrats panicking, as democratic socialists win key races in New York City and elsewhere. Jaime Harrison, former DNC chair, tweeted on election day: 'If you hate the Democratic Party, then please don’t run for our nomination,' shortly before three socialists won Democratic primaries for Congress in deep-blue New York City. His call for self-expulsion was met with widespread attention, garnering over 5 million views on X.
Corporate Lobbyist Backgrounds Fuel Backlash
Harrison’s tirade reflects a broader establishment backlash. Between 2008 and 2016, he worked as a lobbyist for the Podesta Group, representing corporations like Bank of America, Boeing, BP, Google, Lockheed Martin, and Walmart, as well as trade associations like the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. His stance is echoed by James Carville, who declared that socialist winner Darializa Avila Chevalier 'is not a Democrat' and should not be seated in the caucus. Carville, known for his 2024 prediction that Kamala Harris would win, later advocated for Democrats to 'roll over and play dead.'
Generational Shift on Israel
A major factor in the left’s surge is the shift in public opinion on Israel. A May New York Times poll found Democratic voters are now four times more likely to sympathize with Palestinians than with Israel. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate leader Chuck Schumer have each received over $1.7 million in campaign contributions from pro-Israel groups, fueling antagonism with the left. The Times of Israel reported that Jeffries faces potential challenges from the Democratic Socialists of America, with opposition to Israel a significant factor.
Divisions Within the Establishment
Reactions vary among establishment Democrats. DNC chair Ken Martin congratulated primary winner Claire Valdez, a socialist union organizer, while conservative Democrat Josh Gottheimer, who received over $2 million from pro-Israel groups, said, 'If you’re a socialist, you’re not a Democrat.' A Gallup poll found 66% of Democrats view socialism more positively than capitalism, suggesting Gottheimer’s stance may alienate many. Promise to America, a group launched by Gottheimer and nine other 'moderate' Democrats, declares on its website: 'We are capitalist, not socialist.'
Potential Impact on House Leadership
The New York Times reported that if Democrats seize a House majority in November, the growing leftist faction could cause headaches for Jeffries. Axios noted that the trio of victorious New York socialists joins over half a dozen other left-wing candidates who have won primaries this year, potentially forming Congress’ most sizable leftwing bloc in the 21st century. However, socialist and allies remain a small minority compared to corporate Democrats and Republicans. As Norman Solomon concludes, 'Winning the pivotal struggles ahead will require nationwide grassroots organizing of a scope, depth and quality yet to be seen.'
