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Progressives winning in US elections
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Angie Nixon upset Alex Vindman in Florida's Democratic Senate primary. Progressives are winning primaries by grassroots organizing, not big money.
Background
Progressives have been winning Democratic primaries across the U.S., often defeating better-funded establishment candidates. This trend has moved into conservative states like Florida, where Angie Nixon's victory over Alex Vindman marked a significant upset. The wins are attributed to grassroots organizing and popular progressive ideas on economic inequality, reproductive rights, and immigration.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Progressives win primaries in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states, defeating establishment Democrats.
- Aug 18, 2026Angie Nixon defeats Alex Vindman in Florida's Democratic Senate primary, a major upset.
- Aug 19, 2026Media coverage highlights Nixon's win as part of a broader progressive wave, with about two-thirds of DSA or Justice Democrats-backed House candidates winning their primaries.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Bernie Sanders argues progressives are winning because their ideas are popular with the majority of Americans.
- Caution
- Some Democrats worry that too-progressive candidates may hurt the party's chances in the general election against Republicans.
- Analysts
- CBS News analysis shows progressive candidates winning about two-thirds of their primaries, but some question whether they can flip red districts.
Still unverified
Some reports suggest progressive wins may not translate to general election success, but this is speculative.