Speaker Mike Johnson is pointing directly at the trouble in the Democratic Party. During a stop in Virginia Beach on Monday, he said the party does not know who they stand for. As the House Democrat leader, Hakeem Jeffries holds the top leadership position. Yet he suffered defeats for his chosen candidates within his own district. Johnson made this comment while campaigning for Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans. He called the situation an open civil war within the party. He said they do not have a leader anymore.
The trouble started in New York, Jeffries’ home state. Several primary victories went to candidates associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. One race saw Adriano Espaillat lose to Darializa Avila Chevalier in the Bronx. Another saw Rep. Dan Goldman lose to Brad Lander in Brooklyn. Both incumbents were endorsed by Jeffries. Both challengers were backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Johnson noted that one of these wins happened right in Jeffries’ own backyard.
Johnson did not hold back on his words about these results. He said the American people should find the situation alarming. What truly alarms the American people, I believe, is the election of open Marxists winning primaries in that party. He compared the Democrats to a rudderless ship. He is using these losses to help Republicans keep their House majority. The race is tight, and Johnson sees these wins as a weapon.
The losses are not just about one district. Socialist Claire Valdez won a seat in Brooklyn and Queens. She was also backed by Mamdani. This seat was being left by Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Jeffries did not endorse a candidate in that specific race. Yet the person Velázquez chose to replace her lost anyway. Valdez and Chevalier have not publicly endorsed Jeffries remaining as leader. This shows a split between the party establishment and a far-left group.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has tried to answer these questions. A spokesperson for Jeffries directed Fox News Digital to a Sunday exchange between the House Democratic leader and NBC’s host Kristin Welker when asked for a response. Addressing a query regarding left-wing challengers toppling incumbents, Jeffries spoke. He said he does not support defunding the police or abolishing the Senate. He wants to lower the high cost of living for hard-working taxpayers.
Despite the losses, Jeffries said his caucus will remain broad. He said there will be progressives, New Dems, and Blue Dogs. He said he is excited about candidates running to flip seats in November.