In the heated battlegrounds of political contests, some Democratic candidates are steering clear of the “progressive” designation, a term often linked to the more left-leaning faction of the party epitomized by “Squad” members like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Among those subtly distancing themselves is Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who, when probed by NBC News about his progressive stance, opted for a broader identification: “I consider myself an Arizona member of Congress who works across the aisle with everybody.”
Gallego’s approach underscores a broader trend among Democrats to diversify their ideological stances, especially in tight races. He articulated his focus on serving Arizonans, highlighting a commitment that transcends rigid political labels and embraces a wider political spectrum.
This shift isn’t isolated to Gallego alone. His decision to not renew his Congressional Progressive Caucus membership, citing a significant hike in dues, mirrors actions taken by other House Democrats. Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) have also exited the caucus, with dues being a common grievance among some.
Contrastingly, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) maintains his progressive stance, yet faces significant electoral challenges, possibly fueled by his positions, including his views on Israel. Similarly, other progressive figures are confronting formidable primary opponents aiming to unseat them due to their ideological leanings.
In the Senate, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) explicitly renounced the progressive label, differentiating his stance on key issues like Israel and immigration, emphasizing a commitment to Democratic values over strict progressive ideologies. Fetterman’s moderation, despite past support from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), showcases a willingness to bridge party lines, a stance that might surprise those who expected a more left-leaning agenda.
As the Democratic Party aims to secure its footing in both the Senate and the House, the strategic distancing from the progressive label by candidates in pivotal races hints at a nuanced approach to appealing to a broader electorate. However, this tactic raises concerns about alienating progressive supporters, a critical base that Joe Biden cannot afford to lose, especially with the White House at stake.