Progressive members of the Democratic Party are expressing frustration with party leadership after the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) endorsed a centrist candidate over a more progressive rival in a critical battleground that could influence control of the House. This week, the DCCC included California Congresswoman Jasmeet Bains and seven other Democrats in its “Red to Blue” initiative, effectively providing them backing that may aid their campaigns against Republican incumbents in essential primaries.
The decision to support Bains, rather than progressive candidate Randy Villegas—who has the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders—has prompted backlash from progressive lawmakers. They argue that the DCCC should not interfere in this closely contested primary. The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, which stands behind Villegas, expressed their disagreement with the DCCC’s choice, stating that it should be up to voters to select the Democratic candidate.
Among the critics, Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, along with several other progressive representatives, voiced their disapproval. Rep. Adelita Grijalva from Arizona took to social media to express her disappointment over what she sees as unwarranted interference in a competitive Democratic primary, particularly following last week’s decision related to the Voting Rights Act, which many feel impacts Latino communities significantly.
Villegas labeled the DCCC’s meddling as “undemocratic” in a post on social media. He is not alone in garnering outside support; his campaign has backing from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Working Families Party, while Bains has secured endorsements from prominent labor groups, including the Blue Dogs PAC and the New Dem Action Fund. Both candidates are challenging incumbent Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who has consistently defeated Democratic opponents in this predominantly Hispanic district.
The DCCC’s endorsement approach in other races has also drawn criticism. In Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, state Rep. Joe Baldacci has seen backlash from his opponents as the DCCC promotes his candidacy. Former Capitol Hill staffer Jordyn Woods remarked on the interference of “D.C. insiders,” calling it a misstep in understanding local representation.
In response to the backlash, DCCC representatives claim that the candidates selected are deemed “best positioned to win in November” and represent a broad spectrum of the party. They emphasized the necessity for Democrats to regain the House to hold President Trump accountable and to address voter concerns like affordable healthcare.
Conversely, the National Republican Party has cautioned that a tumultuous Democratic primary might hinder their efforts to reclaim the House majority, stressing that national Democratic interference could exacerbate internal divisions.
Progressives in the Senate have similarly criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for backing centrist candidates in key races. Schumer’s endorsement of Gov. Janet Mills in the upcoming Senate race faced a setback after Mills withdrew due to a lack of support among primary voters, leaving the door open for other candidates, like Graham Platner, who has more robust progressive backing.
