A series of victories by Democratic socialist candidates in primary elections has brought attention to their role in the political landscape. Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson discussed recent developments while Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., appeared on ‘Fox News Sunday’ to address remarks made by these candidates. He also explored why young Americans are increasingly open to socialism.
Jordan Herrera, an attorney and Air Force veteran, won the Democratic nomination in Missouri’s newly redrawn 4th Congressional District. Herrera defeated the democratic socialist candidate Hartzell Gray in a seven-way primary. The victory places Herrera, a more conventional Democrat, on the ballot against Republican Rep. Mark Alford in the GOP-favored district. Gray had campaigned as a left-wing challenger to the Democratic establishment.
Jordan Herrera is an attorney, Air Force veteran, and former Missouri assistant attorney general.
The redrawn 4th District includes parts of Kansas City and extends through suburban and rural Missouri. Although the map made the district less Republican than before, it remains a strong GOP seat. Gray emerged as the financial leader in the Democratic field, raising about $250,000 compared to Herrera’s $40,000.
The Kansas City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America endorsed Gray, marking its first federal race endorsement. The group commended Gray for not accepting money from corporations and backing policies like universal healthcare and tenant protections. His campaign opposed the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections.
Gray’s appearance on Hasan Piker’s Twitch stream gained him national attention, raising over $30,000 from viewers. He also featured on ‘The Majority Report’ as part of efforts to convert national interest into local votes. The Democratic Socialists of America supported Gray, viewing the primary as a test for the party’s socialist left powered by social media, small donations, and activist networks.
Gray’s nomination reflects a win for local Democratic Socialists, but the general election will reveal whether this coalition can succeed in a district designed to favor Republicans.