Progressives enter US House in record numbers after flipping red districts
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is expanding to more than 105 lawmakers in the next Congress after welcoming over 25 new members. This growth followed competitive midterm races where six of nine caucus-endorsed candidates flipped Republican-held seats, including districts previously won by Donald Trump. Notable victors include Randy Villegas in California, Sam Forstag in Montana, and Katy Padilla Stout, who won her Texas race by eight points in a district Trump had carried by 15.
Incoming lawmakers heavily campaigned on Medicare for All, stronger labor protections, and ending US military aid to Israel over the war in Gaza. Caucus chair Greg Casar announced intentions to bring aggressive legislation on wages, housing costs, and childcare to the floor when Democrats assume control of both chambers in January. The progressive cohort is also bolstered by Democratic Socialists of America-backed representatives, including Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez of New York, and New Jersey physician Adam Hamawy.
However, progressives will navigate a divided caucus as the centrist New Democrat Coalition also adds roughly 39 members. As internal negotiations begin, Casar and newly elected members have declined to commit their support to Hakeem Jeffries for House speaker, insisting that Democratic leadership must actively advance their campaign priorities.
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