Key Takeaway: Lingering divisions from contentious primaries are complicating Democrats' effort to present a united front ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. In battleground states including Maine, Texas, Michigan and Florida, high-profile figures have withheld endorsements or declined to campaign with nominees. These rifts — over progressive candidates, reactions to a resolution condemning socialism, and questions about institutional support for Black-led campaigns — could affect close Senate and House races.
Primary Feuds Threaten Democrats' Push To Reclaim Congress Ahead Of Nov. 3
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon poses for a photo on the day of her campaign kickoff in Orlando, Florida, U.S. September 5, 2026. REUTERS/Phelan M. Ebenhack
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Reuters) — As Democrats aim to retake control of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, unresolved tensions from bruising primary battles are threatening the party's ability to present a united front against Republicans.
Maine
Democrats see one of their clearest paths to a Senate majority through defeating Senator Susan Collins, widely considered the most vulnerable Republican incumbent. Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee and former Maine Senate president, is running without the endorsement of Governor Janet Mills, who once considered a bid to unseat Collins herself. Mills' office did not respond to a request for comment.
"I would say they're mostly unified," said Jim Melcher, a political science professor at the University of Maine at Farmington. "The one piece of it that stands out is that Janet Mills has not endorsed Troy Jackson." The Maine Democratic Party emphasized turnout and on-the-ground energy as signs of cohesion.
Texas
In Texas, Representative Jasmine Crockett has publicly pledged support for James Talarico, the state representative who defeated her in the Democratic Senate primary, but she has repeatedly declined to campaign with him. Crockett drew social media criticism after appearing onstage with singer Chris Brown while not sharing a stage with Talarico, who would be a rare statewide Democratic victor in Texas if he prevails.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon poses with other candidates during her campaign kickoff in Orlando, Florida, U.S. September 5, 2026. REUTERS/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Crockett has said she will focus on lower-profile races and trusts Talarico to run his campaign plan, while continuing to offer formal support as the party nominee.
Michigan
Tensions in Michigan center on progressive Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who holds narrow leads in some polls in a state Democrats view as essential. Several prominent Democrats have withheld endorsements or expressed discomfort with El-Sayed's associations and past rhetoric. Representative Haley Stevens offered "full support" and embraced El-Sayed at a unity event, but questions remain about whether she and other party figures will actively campaign together.
Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, argued that establishment hesitancy toward progressive winners creates a double standard that can undercut efforts to defeat Republicans.
New York
On Capitol Hill, divisions surfaced when eight moderate Democrats joined Republicans in passing a resolution condemning socialism. Newly victorious New York democratic socialists Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez criticized the move, saying it targeted democratic socialists and undercut the party's history of pushing for economic reforms.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon walks with Will Wright before speaking to supporters during her campaign kickoff in Orlando, Florida, U.S. September 5, 2026. REUTERS/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Florida
In Florida, Angie Nixon, a democratic socialist, defeated retired Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman in the Democratic Senate primary. Vindman has donated heavily to Democratic efforts in the state and said he would stand with Nixon against Republican Senator Ashley Moody, but some local Democrats say the state party's public support for Nixon has been tepid.
State party officials counter that party leaders have worked with Nixon and that coordination with her campaign is ongoing. Former Nixon organizing director Chanae Jackson said frustrations persist among Black organizers who feel leadership and resources have been inconsistent.
Why It Matters
With control of both chambers at stake, lingering primary feuds and reluctance by some party leaders to embrace certain nominees could imperil Democrats' best opportunities in close races. Party unity — both public endorsements and active campaigning — will be critical in tight contests across several battleground states.
Reporting by Nolan D. McCaskill; additional reporting by Bianca Flowers; editing by Michael Learmonth, Andy Sullivan and Howard Goller.
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