Sanders endorses candidates in Democratic primaries ahead of midterms

Sen. Bernie Sanders announced plans to support a challenger to an incumbent House Democrat from North Carolina who belongs to the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries spoke with Sanders by phone and warned against intervening in such primaries during a midterm year, according to three Democrats familiar with the conversation.

Rep. Greg Meeks of New York, who joined the call, said Sanders appeared unconcerned.

results and endorsement record Incumbent Rep.

Valerie Foushee defeated challenger Nida Allam in the March primary. Sanders has endorsed more than 90 candidates this cycle, and 42 of the 60 who have completed their elections won, including 10 of 16 federal candidates, his team stated. Senior Democrats said the endorsements have required spending in primaries that they would prefer to direct against Republicans in November.

Senate primary Sanders is campaigning in Michigan this weekend for Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and House candidate William Lawrence. Retiring Sen. Gary Peters endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Senate primary last week. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats select candidates suited to their states. Sanders stated that the candidates he supports represent working people.

primary and candidate remarks Lawrence apologized for 2024 comments about Black political leaders that drew criticism from Congressional Black Caucus members. He said the remarks did not reflect his values. The Congressional Black Caucus political arm is running ads against Lawrence.

Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin endorsed one of his primary opponents. Lawrence is scheduled to appear with Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and El-Sayed at events this weekend. Rep. Ro Khanna of California said Sanders ranks among the most influential figures for progressive voters.