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Frustration From the Party’s Left
Heath Howard, a New Hampshire state representative running for Congress, told Axios: “I think we need to have a new type of leadership that’s … going to fight back significantly harder against the Trump administration.”
That statement captures a sentiment echoing throughout much of the Democratic grassroots: that their leaders are too timid in the face of conservative opposition.
Kat Abughazaleh, a leading contender for the Illinois seat currently held by retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky, said she would only support a leader who is “taking actual action against this administration” and that Democrats must “use our leverage to demand progressive change.”
Amanda Edwards, a former Houston city council member running in a Texas special election, said bluntly: “We’ve got to see improvement, without question.”
Even more striking, some candidates say Jeffries’ handling of internal party matters — particularly his refusal to endorse socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani — has alienated the party’s activist base. “His refusal to endorse Zohran makes me nervous that, if I were to become the nominee in my race, he and the party would not support me,” said Jacob Lawrence, a North Carolina Democrat.
Establishment vs. Insurgent Divide
Jeffries’ critics include a mix of progressive outsiders and primary challengers targeting establishment Democrats. Names like Daniel Biss, Luke Bronin, Donavan McKinney, Mai Vang, Saikat Chakrabarti, and Patrick Roath all appear among those refusing to pledge loyalty to Jeffries.
Saikat Chakrabarti, known for his role as an architect of the “Squad” movement, mocked Jeffries’ hesitation over Mamdani’s endorsement, saying: “What is it that Hakeem said about endorsing Zohran? ‘I’ll have conversations with him and see where it goes.’”
The line sums up what many progressives view as Jeffries’ cautious, consultant-driven leadership — a style increasingly at odds with the emotional energy of the left.
Harry Jarin, a firefighter running to unseat former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in Maryland, said, “The anger of the base right now is not being matched by Democratic leadership … and that is going to have to change one way or another.”
Jeffries Camp Pushes Back
Jeffries’ team, however, insists there’s no real revolt brewing. “Leader Jeffries is focused on battling Donald Trump, ending the Republican shutdown of the federal government and addressing the crushing GOP health care crisis,” spokesman Justin Chermol told Axios.
But behind the polished talking points, the anxiety is palpable. For a party that has long prided itself on message unity, this growing chorus of dissent — before a single 2026 vote is even cast — signals deeper unrest. The Democratic establishment may soon face a full-blown mutiny from within, one driven by candidates who believe their leaders have lost touch with the passion of their base.
As the 2026 midterm season ramps up, Hakeem Jeffries isn’t just fighting Republicans. He’s fighting for control of his own party.
