DSA Candidate Flexes ‘Bargaining Power’ as Socialists Eye Congress Surge

NewsweekIndependentProgressiveNov 1

Angela Gonzales-Torres, a candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is challenging incumbent Democrat Jimmy Gomez for a congressional seat in California's 34th district. While many progressive candidates avoid the socialist label to appeal to moderates, Gonzales-Torres embraces her DSA affiliation despite being labeled 'far left' by Fox News and some party members. The race has intensified following a House Ethics Committee investigation into Gomez regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct with a staffer, though he maintains his actions were consensual and legal. A recent independent poll indicates the candidates are currently tied, with Gonzales-Torres leading among undecided voters, while the Gomez campaign disputes the methodology of the survey. Gonzales-Torres emphasizes her campaign's rejection of corporate funding and highlights the potential collective influence of a growing bloc of democratic socialist representatives in the House.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the candidate positively through direct quotes emphasizing anti-corporate values and uses the term 'bargaining power' rather than critical terms like radicalism, while presenting the opponent primarily through the lens of ethical controversies.

Mother JonesIndependentProgressiveOct 31

This profile examines New Mexico Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland, highlighting her background as the former Interior Secretary and first Native American cabinet member. The article notes that Haaland currently holds a six-point lead over Republican opponent Gregg Hull in polls. It argues that Haaland has shifted away from her previous progressive stance on fossil fuels, specifically abandoning the slogan 'keep it in the ground.' This shift is attributed to her acceptance of campaign contributions from the fossil fuel industry and entities linked to a controversial AI data center project. The piece contrasts this current strategy with her 2018 image as a progressive underdog who opposed the Dakota Access Pipeline. The narrative suggests that governing New Mexico requires balancing economic reliance on oil production with environmental concerns.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Haaland's pivot toward accepting fossil fuel money as a betrayal of her progressive identity, using terms like 'abandoned' and questioning her environmental commitments, which aligns with a left-leaning critique of compromise with industry.