Attorney Pramila Jayapal criticizes Democrats for dismissing ongoing victories
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The bitter divisions within the Democratic Party will become more acute as the establishment grows frustrated with the growing influence of the socialist wing.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called out her Democratic colleagues for their “contemptuous” reception of socialists in the “big tent” party.
“I think there’s a lot of disrespectful rhetoric from some parts of the Democratic Party that are dismissive of the voters who elected these people,” Jayapal told CNN.
His comments come as socialism is gaining strength in the Democratic Party, with socialist candidates scoring major victories alongside established Democrats.
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Mamdani, AOC and socialism are gaining strength, while Schumer and Jeffries are leading after the NYC primaries. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images ; Fox News Digital ; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ; Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
All three congressional candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani – Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier – won their primaries in the Democratic Alliance, reflecting the growing acceptance of the leftist movement in the party.
Jayapal, who serves as chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, argued the victory shows Americans want strong leadership.
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“I think people are sick and tired of the old politics that many Democrats have been part of moving forward, and they’re ready for something bold,” the Democratic representative said.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., speaks during a press conference with other members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus on funding and efforts to reform the Department of Homeland Security, in Washington, DC, on Jan. 13, 2026. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Jayapal raised concerns about the treatment of moderates as compared to progressives within the “big tent” party, urging fair treatment of the latter.
“Why is it that every time a centrist wins an election, people are like, ‘That’s the new plan for the Democratic Party.’ But if a progressive or a Democrat socialist wins, ‘Oh, the whole party goes to hell in a hand basket.’
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Jayapal criticized Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent Democrat, saying he was “wrong” to argue that some Democratic socialists are involved in active politics.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during the first re-election event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He said Democrats must learn to understand what it means to be a “big tent” party.
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“I find it really insulting to say that the Democratic Socialists are making noise,” he told CNN.
“I think you have to ask, ‘Why did we lose so many Democratic voters?’ In these races, where the Democratic Socialists win, when the progressives win, even in the most difficult districts, it is because they bring back voters. “
