In the Illinois Democratic primaries, progressive candidates experienced notable defeats. Candidates with support from influential figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with “The Squad,” struggled to secure victories. According to Joe Concha, a Fox News contributor, moderate figures such as Mayor Daniel Biss and former Congresswoman Melissa Bean emerged successful in House races 09, 08, and 02.
In a notable special election, progressive state senator and assistant majority leader Aisha Wahab defeated Melissa Hernandez, a more moderate public transit executive. This election intended to replace the disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell. Wahab received endorsements from prominent individuals including California Attorney General Rob Bonta and labor activist Dolores Huerta. Meanwhile, Hernandez benefitted from substantial super PAC funding and backing from local officials.
Progressive Democrats initially saw success at the start of the election season with important wins in New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and DC. However, recently, they faced underwhelming performance in Michigan’s Senate race and Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race.
On Election Day, Wahab led with 42.8% of the vote in the special primary compared to Hernandez’s 16.8%. In California’s “jungle primaries,” the top two candidates progress to the general election regardless of party. Wahab and Hernandez secured these positions, excluding Republicans in a district that supported Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
This special election victory is temporary, determining who completes the remaining two months of Swalwell’s term. Wahab and Hernandez are expected to compete again in November for a full two-year Congressional term.
Incumbents usually hold an advantage in elections, although new district boundaries in California’s congressional map may affect the outcome. Recent setbacks for progressive candidates are seen by some Democrats as stalling socialist momentum within the party. Others argue that the sustained popularity of socialist policies among younger voters contradicts this notion.
During the campaign, Hernandez criticized Wahab on ethical grounds, questioning her past actions in Sacramento. Wahab countered by suggesting Hernandez was a recipient of conservative and pro-Israel financial support, thus challenging her liberal credentials.
Hernandez accused Wahab of campaign finance violations, alleging she improperly routed $60,000 from a state campaign account via the Alameda County Democratic Party to fund pro-Wahab materials. Wahab retaliated, accusing Hernandez of accepting pro-Israel donor funds and benefiting from pro-Israel super PAC expenditures.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a contentious issue within the Democratic Party, with progressives asserting pressure to remove Democrats who back Israel.