'Giant warning sign': Obama veteran says the Democratic Party is lurching dangerously left
4. The Democratic Party organs and the groups pushing for moderation are getting out-worked, out-fundraised, and out-organized by the groups on the Left.
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) June 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: A former Obama aide described the recent primary wins by socialist-backed Democratic candidates in New York as a glaring warning for the party, underscoring the ideological shift to the left.
'Pod Save America’s' Dan Pfeiffer's comments come after several progressive candidates defeated establishment candidates in recent Democratic primaries.
Dan Pfeiffer sees rise of progressive wing as threat to Dem party
The co-host of 'Pod Save America' offered his observation of the recent rise of progressive Democrats on his platform after socialist candidates Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier all won their primaries. All were backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D).
All three candidates are progressives and critics of Israel. Two, Lander and Chevalier, beat incumbents in their races, Reps Dan Goldman (D-NY) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY).
Besides these elections, Pfeiffer also pointed to Senate candidate Graham Platner in Maine and House candidate Randy Villegas in California, describing their rise as major warning signs for the Democratic Party.
Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer's support no longer matters
Pfeiffer further argued that after the recent progressive wins, it has been proven that support of establishment leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is no longer a plus for campaigns.
“The thing that we should take away is, like so much else that’s happening in this country, like it’s happening when progressives beat establishment candidates in the second district of Maine, in the California race where Randy Villegas won, Graham Platner, forcing Janet Mills out of the race,” Pfeiffer added.
Pfeiffer further highlighted that incumbent Democrats failed despite support from stalwart leaders.
“There’s a giant warning sign for the Democratic establishment here where the support of people like Schumer or even Hakeem Jeffries is certainly not an asset to your campaign; it may be a detriment,” Pfeiffer said.
Progressive groups outpacing Democratic party
Pfeiffer argued that recent primary results show progressive groups are outpacing the Democratic establishment.
While he acknowledged that moderate candidates continue to find support in some races, he said progressive victories, particularly those over incumbents, reflect growing voter frustration with the party and its leadership.
Pfeiffer said left-wing groups such as Justice Democrats, the Democratic Socialists of America and Our Revolution are outperforming the Democratic establishment, arguing that they are organizing, fundraising and campaigning more effectively than the party’s traditional institutions.
