Midterms 2026: the Democratic left performs worse than the moderate wing

On November 3, during the midterm elections, a bar in Astoria, Queens, celebrated Democratic victories, particularly those of progressive candidates. The atmosphere was lively as patrons discussed politics, marking a shift in American political engagement. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received significant applause for her reelection, while Claire Valdez highlighted the impact of progressive movements on the election results. The Democratic Socialists of America, led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, played a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape, advocating for economic policies focused on working-class issues and maintaining strong moral stances on immigration and international conflicts.