Moderate Democrats are preparing for what they call “the next war” against the growing influence of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) within their ranks, according to reports from The New York Times and Breitbart News. The tension escalated following the narrow victory of Dr. Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, where he narrowly edged out establishment favorite Rep. Haley Stevens. This win, though unexpected, marks a turning point in the internal struggle between moderates and progressives within the Democratic Party, with implications for the 2028 presidential race. Jonathan Cowan, president of the centrist group Third Way, revealed plans for a $15 million campaign aimed at countering democratic socialism. The initiative includes opposition research, polling, social media outreach, and efforts to educate party activists. “We are preparing for the next war that is coming,” Cowan told the Times, emphasizing the threat posed by the DSA’s increasing electoral success. His comments came in the wake of El-Sayed’s win, which many had anticipated would be a landslide. Instead, the result, narrow by just 14,000 votes, has raised alarms among moderates, who fear that such victories in key swing states could pave the way for a progressive candidate to secure the presidential nomination and subsequently lose the general election. El-Sayed’s campaign received significant support from prominent DSA-aligned figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His focus on opposing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) resonated with progressive voters, particularly in Detroit, where his potential victory could lead to both House seats being held by democratic socialists. Meanwhile, other socialist candidates faced setbacks, such as former Rep. Cori Bush losing her bid to reclaim her seat in Missouri. Yet, despite these losses, the DSA continues to gain traction in primaries across New York, Colorado, and Michigan. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has voiced concerns about the influence of figures like Hasan Piker, a Marxist-leaning Twitch streamer known for controversial statements. During a recent appearance on Fox News Channel’s Hannity, Fetterman challenged El-Sayed to continue campaigning alongside Piker in the general election, questioning whether such alliances could jeopardize the party’s chances. Fetterman highlighted Piker’s past remarks, including his criticism of U.S. military involvement and his praise for figures associated with China’s Communist Party. “If I was a Republican, I would just dump $20 million for ads,” Fetterman said, implying that such associations could alienate broader voter bases. James Carville, a longtime Democratic strategist, has also expressed unease about the DSA’s growing presence. In a recent statement, Carville declared that he would not remain in the Democratic Party if Piker became a major force within it. “I am not going to be in the same party with Hasan Piker,” he said, indicating a deepening rift between traditional Democratic strategists and the left wing of the party. Carville’s stance reflects a broader concern among establishment Democrats that the DSA’s radical agenda could undermine the party’s appeal to moderate and suburban voters, crucial demographics in swing states. Meanwhile, some progressive voices argue that the moderate response is misguided. Maurice Mitchell of the Working Families Party dismissed the efforts of centrist Democrats as misaligned with the current political climate. “They’re missing the plot,” Mitchell said, noting that a populist insurgency is gaining momentum across the country. Similarly, the Nation highlights the complexities of the DSA’s role in Black politics, arguing that its strategy mirrors historical forms of insurgent Black political action. The DSA’s approach, which uses the Democratic Party as a platform while challenging its leadership and ideology, represents a challenge to the traditional power structures within the party. As the next major test approaches in Wisconsin, where democratic socialist state Assemblywoman Francesca Hong is positioned to become the party’s gubernatorial front-runner, the divide within the Democratic Party appears to be widening. With the 2028 presidential race looming, the battle between moderates and progressives is set to intensify, shaping the future direction of the party, and perhaps the nation.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
United States
