Progressive problem: Democrats are abandoning AOC’s brand as they fight to win seats in contested territory
By
Jack Birle
April 9, 2024 2:24 pm
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Some Democrats have shied away from the “progressive” label in their bids for competitive seats, while others are ideologically aligning less with the progressive left.
The progressive left label is commonly associated with members of the “Squad,” including Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who is in a high-stakes contest for the Arizona Senate seat left open by the retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), became the latest Democrat to shy away from the label when speaking with NBC News.
When asked if he still considers himself a progressive, he deflected by saying, “I consider myself an Arizona member of Congress who works across the aisle with everybody.”
“I work for Arizonans,” Gallego told the outlet. “And sometimes that makes me cross a lot of political spectrums.”
Gallego’s pivot away from the harder edge of his party is not new. He also claimed that he let his membership to the Congressional Progressive Caucus lapse because members “increased their dues tremendously,” adding that he works for his constituents.
He is one of several House Democrats who have reportedly left the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/2959344/democrats-abandoning-aocs-brand/
