USA: Democrats’ progressive wing ‘can win primaries’; can they win a general election?

Stuart Norval is pleased to welcome Steven Ekovich, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at American University of Paris. The Michigan Democratic Senate primary offers a revealing case study of the struggle between ideological conviction and electoral pragmatism. Ericovich argues that while progressive candidates have demonstrated increasing strength within Democratic primaries, particularly in urban and heavily Democratic constituencies, translating that energy into victory in competitive swing states remains a far greater challenge. He suggests that the Democratic Party’s internal fragmentation may carry significant strategic consequences, potentially affecting not only the outcome in Michigan but also the party’s broader prospects for controlling the U.S. Senate.