John Fetterman blasts Dems' 'orgy of socialism' as Mamdani-backed candidates storm primaries

WASHINGTON, DC: The growing influence of the Democratic Party's progressive wing is emerging as a headache for the party, with recent socialist-backed primary wins drawing criticism from Republicans and some Democrats while fueling debate over the party's ideological direction and leadership.

Dem John Fetterman, who often goes against the party line and criticizes his own party over several issues, has become the latest figure to take on the party's continued progressive shift.

John Fetterman slams Mamdani-backed candidate as 'deeply disturbed'

In a conversation with the New York Post, the Pennsylvania senator raged against the radical socialist candidates who are taking over his party, but clarified that he has no plan to defect for now.

“I said months ago, I said the Democratic Party is becoming an orgy of socialism. These recent elections vindicate my description,” he told the NY Post after Democratic Socialists of America triumphed in three New York House primary races on Tuesday, June 23, that rocked the party establishment.

Fetterman called Darializa Avila Chevalier “deeply disturbed.” Chevalier is one of three Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates who knocked off incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the New York City primary.

“Chevalier described America as a f*****g disgrace. She posted ‘f*** Kamala Harris’ and posted that she forgot napkins and wiped her hands on the American flag. She wants to abolish the border, abolish prisons. That is a deeply disturbed individual,” Fetterman said.

John Fetterman floats idea of leaving party

On the possibility of defection, Fetterman said, “Even if I changed my party, my votes or views wouldn’t change,” apparently leaving the door open to the idea.

He flagged a May Washington Post column in which he called himself an independent voice. “I address this very directly. That’s the truth,” he said.

Fetterman referred to Graham Platner’s Reddit username, an account that Platner allegedly used to make several controversial statements about the Army and others, and said that Platner and Chevalier were a power couple of the left wing.

“P-Hustle and Chevalier: the dirtbag left’s new power couple,” he added.

Mamdani-backed candidates knock off establishment leaders

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).

State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez of the DSA won the primary to succeed retiring Rep Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) in the 7th District, and Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep Dan Goldman (D-NY) in the 10th District.

All are almost certainly heading to Washington to represent deep-blue districts.