Top GOP senator reveals what Dem colleagues are fretting about behind closed doors
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso has claimed that Democratic senators privately worry their party is being pulled towards the "far, far left" by an emerging wave of progressive candidates. Speaking at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas, the Wyoming Republican framed this as evidence that the Democratic Party's centre of gravity is shifting away from establishment figures ahead of November's midterm elections, which Republicans are contesting despite historical trends and voter anxiety over living costs and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Barrasso pointed to progressive candidates such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, James Talarico in Texas and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, who have won nominations over establishment-backed rivals aligned with figures including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. He argued these candidates would be "terrible for our nation" and said defeating them was central to the Republican strategy, with the Dallas convention also highlighting support for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to prevent the state from trending more Democratic. Schumer's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- Barrasso says Democrats privately fear a leftward shift in their party
- He cites progressive nominees El-Sayed, Talarico and Flanagan as evidence
- Comments made at GOP midterm convention in Dallas; Schumer's office had no comment
New here? Start with this
Political divisions within the Democratic Party have become a talking point in the run-up to November's US midterm elections, as progressive candidates win nominations over rivals backed by more centrist, establishment figures. Recent examples cited by Republicans include Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, James Talarico in Texas and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, all of whom prevailed over candidates aligned with senior Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
John Barrasso is a Republican senator from Wyoming who serves as Senate Majority Whip, one of the top leadership roles in the Senate, responsible for helping marshal votes among Republican senators. The midterms, held partway through a president's term, determine control of Congress and are historically difficult for the party holding the White House, a pattern Republicans are hoping to defy this cycle.
The broader context includes public concern over the cost of living and an ongoing conflict involving Iran, both seen as factors that could influence how Americans vote. Texas features prominently in this story too, with Attorney General Ken Paxton highlighted as a figure Republicans are backing amid efforts to keep the traditionally Republican-leaning state from shifting further towards Democrats.