Dissension Among the Democrats
Author: Greg Valliere
October 17, 2025
NOT JUST REPUBLICANS are weary of their party’s inability to finish a budget deal. The Democrats are restless — and they worry about socialist Zohran Mamdani’s potentially strong showing in the New York City’s mayoral race, which could increase an exodus of Democrats out of the city.
A NEW POLL in Politico shows growing dissension among the Democrats’ ranks. It shows that of 113 possible or probable incumbent House candidates in the 2026 election, 20 don’t plan to run, another 5 are unlikely and 37 haven’t decided. That’s lot in the narrowly divided House.
PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTOR is why Democrats are so restless — a pervasive sense in the party that Democrats on Capitol Hill aren’t fighting hard enough against Donald Trump. At the grass roots, Democrats want a fighter.
THIS IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT for the top Democrats in the House — especially for Hakeem Jeffries, who is viewed as too passive. A move against him within the party isn’t out of the question, especially if the socialists win in New York on Nov. 4.
THE DEMOCRATS’ UNPOPULARITY has a huge implication — this mood has emboldened Republicans, who are eager to block a budget deal. The shutdown could last for several more weeks.
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