Squad 2.0 Poised to Test Jeffries as Democrats Eye 2026 House Majority

1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 24

New progressive primary winners are set to enter the House Democratic caucus, with centrists warning they could quickly challenge Hakeem Jeffries if Democrats reclaim the chamber.
Moderate Democrats said the risk is sharpest in a tight majority, where fights over messaging and policy could pit members focused on swing districts against what one centrist called disruptive "bomb throwers."
Republicans are already preparing to use the new left flank against Democrats, while members such as Rep. Vicente Gonzales said hard-left positions would be difficult to defend in places like South Texas.
Jeffries will not face only progressives in the incoming class—moderates including Ben McAdams and Cait Conley also won primaries—setting up an internal tug of war if Democrats win control.
Veterans of the caucus pointed to Nancy Pelosi's eventual accommodation with the original Squad, but Jeffries is seen as less seasoned and less rooted in the party's progressive wing.