Wins by the far-left set up challenge for Hakeem Jeffries

The growing wave of primary victories by democratic socialists is poised to pose a major challenge for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) if Democrats retake the House in the midterms.

He will likely need to contend with an increasingly restive and energized left flank as he mounts a bid for the Speakership and attempts to unify a diverse Democratic caucus.

This week’s Democratic primary win by 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros, who defeated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), brought that outlook further into focus.

It followed wins a week earlier by two democratic socialists and the ouster of two incumbents in House primaries in New York City. Kiros’s victory, though in a deep blue Denver-area district, signaled that the strength of the far-left could extend across the country.

The arrival of the far-left Democrats, and the anti-establishment energy they represent, could leave Jeffries confronting some of the same issues that have plagued House GOP leaders: managing a broad ideological coalition with little room for defection.

The size of the challenge will likely depend on the size of the Democratic majority: if Democrats capture only a slim House majority, even a relatively small bloc of far-left members could wield significant influence over the Speaker’s election and the party’s legislative priorities. Beyond that, he may have to wrestle with the broader voter frustration seen in a number of this year’s primaries.

Asked whether he thinks the wins by democratic socialists are good for the Democratic Party, Jeffries told reporters Monday that, “the party’s going to continue to focus on winning seats currently held by Republicans and flipping them blue.”

Pressed on whether he can meet their demands if they get elected, Jeffries said, “Well, let’s cross that bridge when we get to it, because I think before we can even get to governing, we have to win.”

Should the Democrats win the House majority, Jeffries is not thought to have any serious competition for the Speakership. But that path may not be completely smooth either.

Community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier, who defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), the........

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