Democratic Infighting: A Recipe for Discontent
Regardless of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s (DSCC) maneuvers within crowded primaries, one fact remains: it’s ruffling feathers among fellow Democrats.
This week’s political theater in Texas has seen Jasmine Crockett’s entry and Colin Allred’s exit, illustrating the DSCC’s lackluster approach to managing what could become an expensive primary battle for a highly coveted Senate seat. Meanwhile, in Iowa, there are whispers that the committee is advising consultants to steer clear of candidates not favored by the DSCC.
The contrasting strategies in Texas and Iowa lay bare the DSCC’s struggle to maintain control over the increasingly chaotic Democratic primaries. This has resulted in significant backlash, with many Democrats expressing outrage over what they perceive as the committee’s half-hearted involvement in Texas compared to its heavy-handed tactics elsewhere. Nearly a dozen anonymous Democratic strategists shared their thoughts, lamenting the DSCC’s weakened influence as party members grow disillusioned with national leadership.
“They had multiple tools at their disposal but chose not to use them in Texas,” lamented one Texas Senate race veteran. “Their political clout has diminished significantly … it’s clear how institutionally weak they’ve become.”
As Democrats seek to net four seats to reclaim the Senate next fall, these internal divisions—playing out in states like Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Texas—could jeopardize that objective.
In Maine, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a staunch DSCC ally, aggressively courted Gov. Janet Mills over oysterman Graham Platner, who has garnered a robust grassroots following despite facing various controversies. Similarly, in Michigan, Rep. Haley Stevens received an exclusive invitation to meet donors at a DSCC event, while her two primary opponents were left out in the cold.
“When the DSCC intervenes, it feels like an outsider is trying to tip the scales,” remarked Mary Jo Riesberg, chair of Iowa’s Lee County Democrats, who has yet to endorse a primary candidate. “That kind of interference doesn’t sit well with Iowans. We’ve experienced this before … the primaries are our business.”
The DSCC has a storied history of meddling in primaries for its chosen candidates—a tactic used across party lines. However, the landscape has shifted in recent years as candidates now have more means to build their own profiles and attract national attention and funding, making the DSCC’s influence less critical. “Candidates can now showcase their platforms directly to a national audience, which diminishes the DSCC’s power,” elaborated a Texas Senate race participant.
“This is the era of grassroots fundraising,” they added, “leaving the DSCC in a weaker position.”
Moreover, challenges to the Democrats’ midterm strategy are emerging from within their ranks.
A group of nine senators, self-referred to as “Fight Club,” is prioritizing primaries for open seats in Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine, often rallying behind candidates who defy the Washington status quo, as reported by sources familiar with their strategy. The New York Times first reported on the group’s efforts.
“Navigating any primary is tricky in this environment [since] voters in both parties are leaning anti-establishment,” noted Morgan Jackson, an advisor to former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who successfully cleared his primary field before entering the Senate race in July. “The DSCC and Democratic Governors Association seem intent on presenting nominees capable of winning general elections, which is their primary focus.”
However, the ongoing debate about which type of Democrat stands the best chance in a general election—especially in battleground or red-leaning regions—adds to the internal discord regarding the DSCC’s approach. This uncertainty is partly fueling the flood of candidates eager to enter Senate and House races nationwide. Following sweeping victories in November, interest in running for office has surged as Senate Democrats look ahead to a favorable electoral map.
Thus far, the DSCC has refrained from endorsing candidates in these states. In a statement, DSCC spokesperson Maeve Coyle reiterated, “Our singular goal is to secure a Democratic Senate majority. We’ve crafted a strategy this cycle by recruiting formidable candidates, broadening our map, building strong general election infrastructure, and discrediting Republican opponents—tactics that propelled Senate Democrats to outperform in the last four election cycles and will help us flip the majority in 2026.”
In addition to North Carolina, Senate Democrats have managed to avoid contentious battles in Ohio, where former Sen. Sherrod Brown—much like Cooper—is virtually unopposed for his nomination. Both states are pivotal to the party’s comeback strategy.
This is not the first time the DSCC has employed such tactics. In 2019, Senate candidates in Colorado and Maine complained about the DSCC’s interference, alleging that they were warned against working with certain consultants and vendors or risk being blacklisted by the committee. In 2016, the committee invested $1 million to bolster Katie McGinty in her Pennsylvania primary, ultimately seeing her win the nomination only to lose to Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Penn.).
Currently, the DSCC is advising against collaboration with Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls and Nathan Sage, executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, according to sources involved in the Iowa race. While the committee has yet to make a formal statement on the race, numerous Iowa Democrats have suggested that state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian and two-time gold medalist, is the committee’s favored candidate.
“There’s palpable frustration among the Democratic base regarding the party’s establishment leadership, a sentiment that’s more pronounced than in 2018 or 2020,” shared a strategist aligned with Wahls’ campaign in Iowa. “There’s a growing resistance to the Democratic establishment, not just the leadership.”
On the other hand, some Democrats have come to the committee’s defense. “These complaints seem to stem from individuals upset about missing out on contracts, rather than genuine concerns about winning races,” countered a Democratic strategist involved in several Senate campaigns.
As we approach 2026, the DSCC faces an unusually high number of primaries. In Texas, Crockett—a Democratic firebrand known for her clashes with Trump—will go head-to-head against state Rep. James Talarico, who has gained recognition by intertwining his criticisms of Trump with biblical references and by appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast. This contest is expected to be costly, as both candidates, adept at generating viral content, are prolific fundraisers.
Crockett’s campaign launch video, featuring Trump labeling her a “low IQ person,” drew eye rolls from moderate Democrats. Given Trump’s history of winning Texas by double digits, one adviser remarked that Crockett has “crafted a reputation as a hyper-partisan figure,” making her path to statewide victory a steep one.
In response to her critics, Crockett stated, “Let me be clear for all the haters in the back. Listen up real loud. We gonna get this thing done.”
The “Fight Club” senators, along with the candidates they’re endorsing, lean more progressive but emphasize supporting “real fighters who are willing to discard the old playbook,” according to sources familiar with their strategy. This approach has encouraged Democratic officials to voice their criticisms of the party leadership more openly.
In Minnesota, seven of the eight “Fight Club” senators, including Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), endorsed Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan over Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in the open seat race to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Although this primary in a blue-leaning state has remained relatively low-profile, it is poised to become contentious and costly.
“The senators strongly support [Flanagan]; they want her to be the nominee and are frustrated that the DSCC is trying to manipulate the outcome,” noted a source familiar with the situation.
Craig, for her part, has also garnered endorsements from several senators, including Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). Her campaign has reportedly raised $2.2 million, more than double the nearly $1 million Flanagan has secured according to October Federal Elections Commission filings.
“I’m not sure who the DSCC favors, but it’s evident that there’s a discrepancy in this race,” Craig stated. “I’ve successfully navigated challenging elections against Republicans, consistently show up for my constituents, and voted twice to impeach Donald Trump. There’s another Democrat in the race who hasn’t faced a competitive contest and frequently neglects her responsibilities back home in Minnesota—now she seeks a promotion.”
Adam Wren contributed reporting.
