The op-ed suggests that Schumer’s shift toward a more hardline stance is partly due to pressure from the party’s progressive wing. Moderate Democrats nationwide are similarly feeling the impact. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy noted in an August interview that Democratic support and funding are increasingly concentrated among socialist-leaning candidates, a trend that may succeed in deep-blue states but poses risks in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Peek cites Minnesota as an example, where Democratic Socialist candidate Omar Fateh is trailing incumbent Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey by roughly 13 points, despite initial enthusiasm from young, urban voters. In New York City, progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani have drawn strong support among younger voters with pledges to address affordability and by opposing certain policies of Israel, giving them a fundraising advantage over established figures such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The op-ed concludes that while the party’s leftward shift has energized progressive donors and younger voters, it may not resonate with the broader electorate. Peek warns that policies favored by progressives—including positions on policing, immigration enforcement, and benefits for non-citizens—may be out of step with the majority of American voters, potentially affecting Democratic prospects in the 2028 presidential election.
