RICHMOND, Va. — Democrats running for governor in Virginia and New Jersey have opted not to campaign with progressive leaders Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), signaling a strategic move toward the political center ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey have welcomed prominent Democrats including Barack Obama, Pete Buttigieg, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore — but avoided appearances with the party’s progressive icons. The decision reflects concern that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez could alienate independent voters despite their popularity among younger Democrats.
Both Spanberger and Sherrill have emphasized pragmatic governance, affordability, and abortion rights, contrasting with the bold reform agenda of New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani — a democratic socialist backed by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. Mamdani’s platform includes rent freezes, free public transit, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030.
Party strategists say the split underscores an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party: whether to embrace progressive change or maintain a centrist path to compete with Trump-era Republicans.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
