Progressive Democrats drew attention during the midterm campaign, but moderates provided much of the path to the party’s sweeping victory, according to the report. They won in Republican-leaning states and competitive districts by presenting themselves as capable of governing and offering a practical alternative to President Trump.
The victories gave presumptive House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries and would-be Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer majorities with more pragmatic lawmakers. Many campaigned on lowering costs, improving health care and restoring trust in government, rather than promising the broad transformations promoted by the party’s ascendant liberals.
The larger moderate presence could give Jeffries more support for an agenda focused on economic relief and achievable legislative wins. It may also create tensions with progressives, who helped energize the party’s base and expect their priorities to be reflected in the new majority’s plans.
Elaine Luria, a Democrat who reclaimed a Virginia House seat she lost four years ago, said moderates in swing districts had flipped the House and put the speaker and committee chairs in place.
The growing influence was also reflected in centrist groups on Capitol Hill. The Blue Dog Coalition said on Wednesday that it had added at least 14 members, nearly doubling in size. The New Democrats and Problem Solvers groups also substantially increased their Numbers.
Sources: The New York Times Politics.