The Progressive Caucus PAC criticizes the DCCC for backing a centrist in the California primary
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Progressives criticized party leaders after House Democrats’ campaign backed a left-leaning candidate in a key battleground race for control of the House.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added California state Rep. Jasmeet Bains and seven other Democrats to its “Red to Blue” program this week – an endorsement that could give candidates aiming to defeat the GOP a leg up in critical primaries across the country.
The DCCC’s decision to support Bains over incumbent challenger Randy Villegas, a university professor backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vt., in the hotly contested race has sparked backlash from progressive advocates, who say the campaign arm should be neutral in the primaries.
“We do not agree with the DCCC’s decision to try to slow down this race,” said leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, which supported Villegas, in a joint statement. “Voters, not the DCCC, should elect Democratic nominees.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., was among a group of progressive Democrats who criticized the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for meddling in the contested primary election in California’s 22nd district to support a left-leaning candidate. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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The progressive group included Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Greg Casar, D-Texas, Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md.
“I am deeply disappointed to see this last-minute intervention in the Democratic primary,” Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., wrote on social media Monday. “It’s especially deafening in the heavily Latino district, following last week’s decision to repeal the VRA. [Voting Rights Act].”
Villegas also criticized the DCCC’s intervention as “undemocratic” in a post on X.
The political newcomer is backed by the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the left-leaning Working Families Party, among other outside groups. Meanwhile, major minority labor groups, including the centrist Blue Dogs PAC and the centre-left NewDem Action Fund, are backing Bains.
Both are fighting to unseat Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., has repeatedly defended Democratic rivals in the largely Hispanic district.
Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., is seeking re-election in a Central Valley district rated as a “toss-up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. (Juan Esparza Loera/Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service)
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The DCCC’s decision to promote candidates in some crowded primaries also backfired.
Its strategy to promote state legislator Joe Baldacci in Maine’s second congressional district has drawn sharp criticism from a rival in the race.
“Once again, Washington, DC, insiders are trying to tell Mainers who can represent them,” Jordan Woods, a former Capitol Hill staffer running for the Republican-leaning seat, said in a statement.
When asked for comment, the House Democrats’ campaign arm said the people included in its program “have a good chance of success in November” and come from all parts of the party.
“It’s imperative that Democrats take back the House to hold Trump accountable and deliver what’s really important to voters — lower costs and affordable health care,” DCCC spokeswoman Viet Shelton told Fox News Digital.
National Republicans have warned that Democratic primaries could derail the party’s bid to regain control of the House in November.
“Their worst primaries have turned left-wing free-for-alls, and the entry of the Democratic Alliance will add to the chaos and alienate their far base,” NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said in a statement.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairwoman Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., added eight new people to the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” program this week — a sign that Democrats are growing more confident about retaking control of the House. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
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Progressives in the upper chamber also sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., and the campaign arm of Senate Democrats for quietly supporting more people in key races.
Schumer’s strategy to recruit Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, in the 2026 Senate race appeared to explode last week, when the two-term governor dropped out of the race after her campaign failed to catch on with Democratic primary voters. The Democratic leader has issued a modest endorsement of Democratic candidate Graham Platner, who has the support of the top frontrunners.
