The Democratic Party Must Support Progressives

America is in a second Gilded Age. Fortunately for us, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel: progressivism. Indeed, throughout the late 19th century, poor working conditions, widespread corruption, and extreme wealth inequality galvanized an entire generation to fight for reform. Similarly, today, thousands of well-informed citizens are laying the early groundwork for another progressive era. Yet, both parties, red and blue, are overwhelmingly in opposition to a change in the status quo. As of three days ago, Minnesota Democrats revoked their endorsement of Democratic Socialist Omar Fateh for the mayoral office in Minneapolis. The unprecedented decision comes at a crucial time. Just last month, Mr. Fateh beat out centrist democrat Jacob Frey, the incumbent mayor, for the nomination at the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party convention. Now, a small faction of the party has decided to overturn the will of many delegates who democratically offered their input. Fateh's campaign is focused on affordable housing, taxing the rich, and fighting back against invasive immigration policies. Establishment democrats appear to be scared by any campaign that prioritizes standing up against corporate interests because it's a direct threat to their power. The most evident example presents itself in New York, where Andrew Cuomo, a disgraced Democrat politician, appeals to corporate donors for support against the populist Zohran Mamdani. In fact, Cuomo is bankrolled by the same billionaires Trump is. What's worse is that the former governor is now going directly to President Trump, asking for help in the upcoming election. It's clear that "donkey and elephant" are on the same side. So who's on the other side? The people.

The local mayoral races across the nation are emblematic of a larger issue: the Democratic Party does not platform progressive values or voices. In the 2024 election, the strategy of Harris-Walz was puzzling to say the least. In the pursuit of reeling in swing voters and doubtful conservatives away from MAGA, leftists were alienated. Kamala Harris was unable to condemn Israel's blatant genocide or support anti-fracking measures, leading to a dissonance between what voters wanted and what Harris promised. Regardless of political affiliation, the people have grown weary of the status quo. Instead of capitalizing on a disillusioned America, Harris offered more of the same.

The problem is party leadership. More than half of democrats support a shift towards progressivism, a sentiment not echoed among the party's leaders. Indeed, the Democratic response to the violation of civil liberties, expansion of corporate interests, and downright descent into authoritarianism has been lackluster among senior members. That's precisely why new-age democrats across the nation are challenging out-of-touch incumbents across the nation. In the Bay Area, Saikat Chakrabarti challenges the corrupt Nancy Pelosi and her chokehold on San Francisco politics. Rashida Tlaib, representative of Michigan's 12th district, consistently calls out her peers and their complicit role in the genocide of Gaza. In Maine, Graham Platner says Democrats are doing "jack" about the rise of fascism. Omar Fateh, as mentioned earlier, is vying for a chance to progress the stagnant Minneapolis politics controlled by moderates. Maybe most recognizable of all, Zohran Mamdani has captured the entire nation's attention with outstanding charisma, eloquent policy-making, and a stylized campaign focused on elevating the working class in the world's biggest city. Fresh faces all around the nation's biggest battlegrounds show that progressivism is here, loud and proud.

In the upcoming 2026 election, the Democratic Party has to win big. In order to carve a path to success, the party must not repeat the same mistakes of the past. Now, amidst a second Gilded Age, it is of utmost importance for democrats to show their willingness to advocate for the people. That includes being openly critical of Israel, supporting taxation on the one percent, and prioritizing working-class interests over all else. The Republican Party has co-opted populism for far too long. As a new wave of progressive candidates fights for a place in today's politics, the Democratic Party must cement itself as the party of the people.