The Democratic Party's internal ideological struggle is intensifying as a series of primary contests across the country pit progressive candidates, often backed by prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, against more moderate contenders supported by groups such as AIPAC.
In Florida's 25th Congressional District, Democratic candidate Oliver Larkin, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is challenging incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz. Larkin advocates for significantly higher marginal tax rates, stating that billionaires should be taxed out of existence. He has also voiced controversial opinions, agreeing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have been arrested during a recent U.S. visit and referring to Israel's current government as a "religious supremacist regime." Moskowitz, a vocal supporter of Israel, is running for re-election in a swing district and has secured backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and AIPAC.
Similar ideological clashes are unfolding in New England. In Massachusetts, longtime progressive Sen. Ed Markey faces a primary challenge from more moderate Rep. Seth Moulton. Markey, who has served in Congress for five decades, is supported by progressive leaders including Sens. Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Moulton, a younger figure, emphasizes the need for a new generation of leadership. This dynamic also appears in the race for Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District, where 71-year-old Rep. Stephen Lynch is being challenged by 39-year-old Patrick Roath.
In New Hampshire, the race for the open Senate seat features Rep. Chris Pappas as the leading candidate, with support from establishment figures like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Maggie Hassan. Pappas is challenged by medical scientist Karishma Manzur, who has criticized Pappas for his ties to AIPAC, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza. Manzur has garnered backing from some progressive groups.
These contests follow recent primary results, including progressive victories for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Senate primary and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota's Senate primary, both endorsed by Sen. Sanders. However, the DSA also saw a setback when Francesca Hong lost the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. The upcoming races are seen as crucial for determining the balance of power within the Democratic Party as the midterm elections approach.