Progressives head to US House in record numbers after winning red districts

House progressives, long dismissed as the Democratic party’s leftwing outliers, are heading into the next Congress in larger numbers than ever and vowing to push the new Democratic majority to the left. The Congressional Progressive caucus said on Sunday it will welcome more than 25 new members, including a record number who won in red districts, expanding its ranks to more than 105 lawmakers. Progressive leaders say the midterm wave shows that voters will back candidates who promise sweeping change.

Caucus chair Greg Casar stated that progressive ideas won the election and the group needs to deliver on those promises. The caucus endorsed nine candidates in competitive red-to-blue races and six won, including seats Donald Trump had previously carried. Newcomers such as Randy Villegas in California, Katy Padilla Stout in Texas, and Sam Forstag in Montana are set to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Additionally, six Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates also won House seats in safely Democratic districts.

Pramila Jayapal, the caucus’s chair emerita, expressed surprise at the level of wave support for candidates running on Medicare for All in risky races. The caucus plans to take members on the road to promote Medicare for All in red states like South Carolina, Florida, and Alabama. Beyond healthcare, Casar outlined plans to bring bills on wages, corruption, housing costs, credit card interest rates, and child care to the floor.

Meanwhile, the centrist New Democrat Coalition is also growing and expected to add about 39 members, with centrist thinktanks arguing that moderates delivered the majority by flipping Republican-held seats. On leadership, Casar did not commit to backing Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, stating that every member will have their individual vote. Among incoming progressives is Adam Hamawy of New Jersey, a former US Army combat surgeon who wants to pass Medicare for All and stop the conflict in Gaza.

Progressives enter the new US House with over 105 lawmakers, pushing for major domestic reforms.

Why it matters

The expansion of the Congressional Progressive Caucus changes the internal balance of power as Democrats prepare to control both chambers in January. With over 25 new members and victories in red districts, the left wing of the party aims to test its mandate by pushing legislation on healthcare, wages, and housing costs.

This shift affects the legislative agenda and leadership dynamics in Congress, determining whether progressive priorities will shape the new majority's policy direction.