Democrats want to win back Congress. First they need to weather their primary battles

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for Senate on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Dallas. LM Otero/AP

At least a dozen US House Democrats are already facing primary challenges, as progressives seek to transform a party regaining its footing after 2024 by tapping into voters’ frustration with its leaders ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Unlike past intraparty battles, this current fight is less about policy differences and more about style. A steadily growing group of challengers, backed by groups such as Justice Democrats and former DNC vice chair David Hogg’s Leaders We Deserve, argues the party needs to replace incumbents in safe districts with more inspiring candidates who can better respond to President Dona