House Republican Leader Warns of Democratic ‘Civil War’ Over Left-Wing Primary Wins
The second-highest-ranking member in the House of Representatives is criticizing Democrats after a series of far-left primary victories ahead of the November midterms. He warns that these developments signal a ‘civil war’ in their party.
Steve Scalise, in a conversation with Fox News Digital, stated, “There’s a Bolshevik revolution overtaking the Democratic Party. It’s alarming because many within the party are promoting communist views—extremely radical outlooks—and they’re winning against liberals.”
Republicans highlight victories by candidates with ties to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as evidence that Democrats are veering further left than most American voters.
“This is surely not your father’s Democrat Party,” Scalise remarked. “There’s a stark contrast between Republicans, who advocate for freedom and individual opportunity, and Democrats, who are gravitating towards socialism.”
These comments follow recent victories where several DSA-associated candidates defeated incumbent progressive Democrats.
In recent weeks, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman from New York lost their primaries to candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is also a DSA member. However, Goldman’s challenger, Brad Lander, distanced himself from the DSA after the events of October 7, 2023, in Israel.
Similarly, in Denver, another DSA-endorsed candidate unseated longtime Rep. Diana DeGette. The impact of these victories in predominantly Democratic districts means all three candidates are expected to win seats in the House of Representatives in November.
Scalise commented, “Liberals in the Democrat Party are losing primaries to socialists, indicating a sort of civil war within the party. If you visit most of middle America, as I often do, those districts oppose socialism—yet that’s what’s being voted on.”
Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), responded to Fox News Digital by emphasizing her party’s focus on reducing costs and criticizing GOP comments as desperate.
She stated, “The midterms will ultimately determine who will lower costs and improve the lives of everyday Americans. House Republicans have failed in this regard. In key districts, Democratic candidates campaign on substantive issues like reducing costs, preserving health care, and making life affordable for working families.”
DelBene added, “Republicans realize they’ve lost popular support; hence they rely on baseless attacks that don’t address pocketbook issues. Voters are eager to dismiss these Republican narratives.”
Republicans face challenges to keep the House majority in November, as historic patterns indicate the president’s party often suffers losses midway through the White House term. However, GOP leaders remain optimistic about reversing this trend as lawmakers prepare to spend August interacting with constituents and presenting their case to the American public.
Elizabeth Elkind reports on politics for Fox News Digital, mainly covering the House of Representatives. Her previous work includes contributions to Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].