The progressive left is ascendant, but it may not be good for Democrats

Once is a surprise, twice is a coincidence, three or more is a movement.  

By that measure, the Democratic Party’s progressive wing is undeniably experiencing a genuine moment. That segment of the left is better organized, louder and increasingly vying for control of the Democratic Party. 

But the progressive left has not yet fully taken over the party, though the shrinking pool of moderates must now find a way to coexist with the insurgent left, rather than the other way around.

Recent elections in New York City underscore the energy and organizational strength of progressives in deep-blue polities, though it’s questionable whether that strength translates to states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Georgia. Make no mistake however: The progressive — often socialist — left’s rise has potentially significant implications for American politics. 

Indeed, start with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. His election was the surprise, given his age, inexperience and his victory over establishment-backed and deep-pocketed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.  

The coincidence came in Maine, where Graham Platner’s progressive-backed Senate campaign points to the same trend: The left is no longer merely protesting from the outside. It is winning power inside the party. Further, the fact that Platner, despite multiple scandals retains the support of progressives — and leads incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins by 5 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average — underscores this ascendency. 

Next, progressives announced their movement following New York City’s primaries. Mamdani said so himself. At a victory party, he proclaimed, “A year ago, it was not the end of a political movement, it was the beginning.” Three Mamdani-backed, socialist candidates won their races, toppling two........

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