In the aftermath of their 2024 presidential defeat, the Democratic Party is experiencing significant internal strife and leadership challenges. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in her first major address since the election, called for unity among Democrats, urging them to “stand together” against President Donald Trump’s agenda. However, the party appears to be fracturing instead.
The party is embroiled in a public power struggle. At the Democratic National Committee, 25-year-old Vice Chair David Hogg plans to spend $20 million to primary “older” and “ineffective” incumbents, citing young voters’ abandonment of the party. This has prompted DNC Chair Ken Martin to push for Hogg’s removal from leadership.
On Capitol Hill, tensions exist between former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s camp and the new leadership under Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. A former Pelosi aide criticized Mr. Jeffries’ team for refusing the 85-year-old’s guidance, while Mr. Jeffries’ supporters seek to move beyond the Pelosi era.
Policy responses to Mr. Trump’s agenda are also dividing Democrats. The party split over how to address the president’s deportation of illegal immigrants with gang ties, with Rep. Ilhan Omar responding aggressively to questions about Democrats visiting El Salvador to support a deported individual later revealed to have domestic violence accusations.
Mr. Jeffries has intervened to prevent further visits to El Salvador and halted an early attempt to impeach Mr. Trump, despite pressure from the party base. The president has seized on these divisions, describing Democrats as “lunatics” without confidence or candidates.
Meanwhile, the progressive wing is attempting to fill the messaging vacuum. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Pramila Jayapal advocate for a populist liberal agenda, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez led protests against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for supporting a Republican spending bill.
Polling shows Ms. Ocasio-Cortez leading Mr. Schumer by 19 points in a hypothetical primary, threatening established Democratic leadership. House Democratic leaders are working to block her momentum by refusing to acknowledge a leadership vacancy on the House Oversight and Government Reform panel she’s interested in.
South Carolina Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright downplayed the divisions, suggesting that differences of opinion don’t necessarily indicate a divided party, but the current public disputes reveal significant challenges as Democrats attempt to rebuild.
Read more: Kamala Harris talks party unity while Democrats brawl in leadership vacuum she left
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