Squad-backed progressives hit with ‘cold shower’ as moderates win Illinois primaries Progressive Democrats backed by members of "The Squad" faced significant setbacks in Illinois primary elections, as moderate candidates secured victories in key races. The results signal a shift in voter preferences, with mainstream Democrats gaining traction over far-left contenders. The losses raised questions about the viability of the party’s progressive wing in securing broader support. James Carville, a longtime Democratic strategist, dismissed the notion that Squad-aligned candidates were gaining momentum. He noted that only about 15% of the party identifies as progressive, and even that group rarely dominates primary outcomes. Carville cited Zohran Mamdani, the socialist mayor of New York City, who won just 50.5% of the vote in his recent race, as an example of the limited appeal of far-left platforms. The defeats came despite high-profile endorsements from progressive lawmakers. Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old Palestinian American candidate running on an anti-establishment platform, received backing from Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, as well as Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Similarly, Junaid Ahmed, a tech entrepreneur advocating for Gaza self-determination and universal healthcare, earned support from Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal. Robert Peters, a state senator who raised $1.1 million for his campaign focused on ending cash bail and raising the minimum wage, also lost to Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, despite endorsements from Sanders and Warren. Together, the progressive candidates raised over $5.7 million, yet their efforts failed to translate into electoral success. Anthony Driver Jr.#zohran_mamdani #james_carville #the_squad #rashida_tlaib #ilhan_omar
