Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida has claimed that the Democratic Party is not actually led by its top congressional figures, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, but by prominent progressive voices instead. Speaking to Fox News Digital at a Republican gathering in Dallas, Scott named streamer Hasan Piker, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the party's true driving force. The remarks come as Republicans meet in Texas to rally support ahead of the midterm elections, in which Democrats are seeking to retake control of Congress.

Scott, a former head of the Senate GOP's campaign committee, argued Democrats' message was undermined by progressive positions on issues such as transgender participation in women's sports and socialism, and suggested voters should "buy guns" if they elected socialists. He acknowledged Republicans face headwinds, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, high prices and a trade dispute with Canada, but insisted the party would have "a good cycle" due to stronger candidates and messaging. He also framed the midterms as a referendum on President Donald Trump's agenda, who is due to speak at the convention, warning that a Democratic-controlled House could pursue impeachment.