WATCH: GOP senator warns ‘hammer-and-sickle’ politics will define Democrats’ 2028 primary
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt has warned that the "radical leftist" surge he sees within the Democratic Party will serve as a blueprint for the party's 2028 presidential primary. In comments shared first with Fox News, Schmitt argued that a "hammer-and-sickle wave" — a reference he links to recent Democratic politics in New York — is taking hold and will shape how candidates position themselves as they compete for the White House.
Schmitt characterised the trend as the rise of "radical leftist communists" during the current election cycle, framing it as an emerging roadmap for Democratic contenders. The article, published by Fox News, is built around video remarks from the senator, though the provided text cuts off mid-quote and offers little additional detail, supporting data or response from Democrats. The piece appears alongside numerous other Fox News political items covering topics such as Iran, immigration enforcement and a collapsed Senate campaign in Maine.
New here? Start with this
Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri has warned that left-wing political movements are gaining influence within the Democratic Party and will shape how candidates campaign in the party's 2028 presidential primary. Schmitt characterises this as a surge of what he calls "radical leftist" politics, which he associates with recent Democratic developments in New York.
The Democratic Party holds an internal primary contest every four years to select its presidential nominee. Multiple candidates compete for support from party voters during this process, typically advocating different policy positions to appeal to various groups within the party.
Such predictions about a party's ideological direction are a standard feature of political commentary, as observers analyse which ideas and movements are gaining influence within each political party. Understanding the direction of major political parties is relevant to understanding how future elections might unfold.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Democratic Party has demonstrably seen increased prominence of progressive and socialist-leaning voices and policies, particularly among younger voters and certain constituencies. Even setting aside the 'communist' characterisation, there is evidence of a leftward shift on healthcare, economics and other issues, and this could plausibly shape 2028 primary dynamics as candidates position themselves within an evolving party landscape.
The case against
Characterising Democratic politics as 'hammer-and-sickle communism' represents inflammatory partisan rhetoric that misrepresents mainstream policy positions. The Democratic Party remains fundamentally capitalist and democratic; even its most progressive members support market economies and constitutional governance. Such language delegitimises opponents rather than engaging substantively with policy differences, unfairly portraying most Democrats as extremists.