How Progressives and Democratic Socialists Fared in the 2022 Midterms

Democrats achieved sweeping victories in Tuesday's midterm elections, with progressive and democratic socialist candidates winning key races nationwide, though their overall influence may be tempered by the party's sizable majority. Progressive Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed won a critical Michigan race, while democratic socialists Donavan McKinney, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, Melat Kiros, Chris Rabb, and Angela Gonzales-Torres secured House seats in districts from Detroit to Los Angeles. These victories follow a summer of primary upsets and a record 43% of Americans viewing socialism favorably in a September Gallup poll. Notable losses included Amanda Janoo's failed Vermont gubernatorial bid against incumbent Republican Phil Scott. Progressives largely won in deep-blue districts, leaving questions about their appeal to swing voters, though their success sets a precedent for future national campaigns.