Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Takes Charge of Moderate Democrats PAC
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada is set to unveil her leadership role on Monday, as she takes the helm of a group dedicated to supporting centrist lawmakers. In her address, she will urge fellow Democrats to prioritize economic concerns and abandon the “purity tests” that have been perceived as detrimental by moderates and progressives alike.
In a recent interview, Cortez Masto, now the honorary chair of the Moderate Democrats PAC—affectionately dubbed the “ModSquad”—contended that a centrist approach is essential for her party’s resurgence. She highlighted the Democrats’ success in last year’s Senate races across four pivotal swing states, noting that these victories came in areas where former Vice President Kamala Harris faced defeat.
“Common-sense Democrats are the only faction that truly excelled in the 2024 election,” she stated emphatically. “That’s our roadmap for the future.”
This announcement reflects the ongoing efforts of Democratic leaders and activists trying to recalibrate the party’s direction following a challenging electoral cycle. As Cortez Masto steps into her new role, the PAC will focus on amplifying centrist voices within the party.
The Democratic Party has faced challenges in adapting to a fragmented media landscape, particularly with the rise of podcasts influencing voter perceptions in the recent elections. Moderates have long lamented that their perspectives are often overshadowed by more extreme viewpoints. High-profile progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have gained significant traction, drawing large crowds while touring the country post-election.
“The loudest voices that often get amplified by the press and social media are from the far left and the far right,” Cortez Masto pointed out, underscoring the need for a more balanced narrative.
Cortez Masto emphasized that the party should concentrate on economic issues that directly affect working families and small businesses. She also stressed the importance of engaging with constituents on contentious topics like immigration.
“If our constituents are concerned about the situation at the southern border, we need to address it,” she asserted. “We can discuss securing the border while simultaneously advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.”
Reflecting on the political landscape, it’s worth noting that former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies played a significant role in his 2024 campaign, enabling him to secure victory in Nevada—marking the first time a Republican has won the state in two decades. Despite Senator Jacky Rosen’s narrow reelection win, Trump managed to capture a greater percentage of Latino voters than any Republican in history.
Cortez Masto urged Democrats to abandon the notion of “purity tests,” a sentiment echoed recently by Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She also took a subtle jab at the “defund the police” movement that gained momentum in 2020.
“We need to recognize that our communities desire safe environments,” she stated. “That implies that we don’t need to advocate for defunding the police. This is simply common sense. We should engage in discussions about the issues our constituents genuinely care about. Oh my gosh! It’s not rocket science!”
In terms of fundraising, the Moderate Democrats PAC has already raised $1.2 million during the current election cycle, with an adviser noting that their fundraising efforts are exceeding previous benchmarks.
