Democratic Primary Challengers Defeat Party-Backed Candidates in Multiple States

Democratic primary voters have selected several candidates backed by progressive groups and outside organizations over candidates supported by party leadership. The victories span state legislative races in New York, a U.S. Senate primary in Maine, and House primaries in California, Pennsylvania, Montana, and New Jersey.

Democratic leaders have linked the results to voter dissatisfaction that dates to the 2016 primaries. Internal party documents released that year showed coordination between national committee staff and one campaign. In 2020, party figures consolidated support behind one candidate to prevent another from securing the nomination.

Candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America won eight of nine New York state legislative races. One first-time candidate won a crowded New Jersey House primary after receiving support from two sitting members of Congress. In a California congressional district, a candidate backed by two members of Congress defeated the state party’s preferred nominee.

One winning candidate said a disciplined voting bloc could exert influence even within a modest majority. The chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus stated the group operates differently from a Republican faction formed after the 2010 elections. Democratic officials are monitoring upcoming primaries in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Michigan for further signs of the pattern.