Three democratic socialists won Democratic primaries for Congress in deep-blue New York City on election day last week, sparking a backlash from corporate Democrats. Jaime Harrison, former DNC chair, tweeted: "If you hate the Democratic Party, then please don't run for our nomination." His tweet garnered over 5 million views on X.
Harrison's Lobbyist Background
Between 2008 and 2016, Harrison worked as a lobbyist for the Podesta Group, representing corporations including Bank of America, Boeing, BP, Google, Lockheed Martin, and Walmart. He also lobbied for trade associations like the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. Harrison raised a record $130 million for his 2020 Senate campaign but lost to Senator Lindsey Graham by 10 points.
Carville's Hostility
James Carville, former Bill Clinton campaign manager, declared that socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who won the primary in New York's 13th congressional district, "is not a Democrat" and should not be seated in the caucus. Carville previously wrote in October 2024 that Kamala Harris would be elected president, and later advocated for Democrats to "roll over and play dead." He has consulted overseas for corporate and conservative candidates.
Divisions Within the Party
DNC chair Ken Martin congratulated socialist primary winner Claire Valdez, emphasizing party cohesion. In contrast, Carville and Harrison represent the corporate, militaristic, and pro-Israel wing that finds democratic socialists repugnant. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remain hostile to the left, each receiving over $1.7 million from pro-Israel groups.
Generational Shift on Israel
A New York Times poll in May found Democratic voters are now four times more likely to sympathize with Palestinians than with Israel. The Times of Israel reported that Schumer could face a primary challenge from the left, with opposition to Israel a significant factor.
Gottheimer's Call to Fight
Representative Josh Gottheimer, who has received over $2 million from pro-Israel groups, said: "The question is, are we going to let them take over the party? Or are we going to stand up and fight back?" A Gallup poll last year found 66% of Democrats view socialism more positively than capitalism. Gottheimer's group Promise to America declares: "We are capitalist, not socialist."
Moulton's Big Tent Approach
Representative Seth Moulton, campaigning to unseat Senator Ed Markey, told CNN: "We've gotta have a big tent if we want a majority." He added that Democrats are united on issues like stopping ICE from terrorizing cities.
Potential for Left-Wing Bloc
The New York Times reported that if Democrats seize a House majority, the leftist faction could cause headaches for Jeffries. Axios noted that the three victorious socialists join over half a dozen other left-wing primary winners this year, potentially forming Congress's most sizable leftwing bloc in the 21st century.
Norman Solomon, director of RootsAction, concluded: "Winning the pivotal struggles ahead will require nationwide grassroots organizing of a scope, depth and quality yet to be seen."
