Democrats must stop feeding Republicans’ socialist boogeyman

Perhaps the most important aspect of the democratic socialist-progressive left’s recent wins is not what it says about the Democratic Party. Rather, it may be what it allows Republicans to say about the Democratic Party. 

Indeed, with Troy Jackson (D) securing the Democratic Senate nomination in Maine, a tossup in Michigan that could send Abdul El-Sayed (D) to the general election and self-described democratic socialists winning in New York and Colorado, Democrats are running bigger risks than the oft-discussed left-wing versus establishment feud would imply.

On the surface, the left wing’s recent wins may appear to be a story of an insurgent faction gaining on a fading establishment. Republicans will tell a different story: Voting for a Democrat equals a vote for socialism. To be sure, that is supported by many Democratic candidates themselves.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has become the face of the most vocal, ascendant wing of the Democratic Party. His handpicked candidates upset two incumbents, despite one — Darializa Avila Chevalier — having a history of extreme and racist statements.

Likewise, in Colorado, democratic socialist Melat Kiros — who called America fundamentally “exploitative” and refused to call the deadly firebombing of Jews in Boulder “antisemitic” — won her primary in a solid-blue district, virtually guaranteeing she’ll enter the House.

In Maine, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)-aligned Jackson will depend on the support of Graham Platner’s progressive populist movement, necessitating a left-wing drift. Finally, in Michigan — which votes on Aug. 4. — El-Sayed, backed by Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is battling establishment favorite Rep. Haley Stevens........

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