Progressives Take on Democratic Incumbents in Midterm Primaries

Generational divides and debates over Israel and immigration policy fuel challenges to long-serving lawmakers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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As the 2026 midterm elections kick off, progressive Democrats are mounting primary challenges against incumbent party members in several key races. These contests highlight divides within the Democratic Party over issues like generational change, U.S. support for Israel, and the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Progressives argue the party needs to embrace bolder, younger leadership, while incumbents defend their records and progressive credentials.

Why it matters

These primary battles reflect an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over its future direction. Progressives are pushing the party to take stronger stances on issues like Israel and immigration, while moderates seek to preserve the party's traditional positions. The outcomes of these races could signal whether the party will shift leftward or maintain a more centrist approach.

The details

In North Carolina's 4th Congressional District, 32-year-old Nida Allam is challenging 69-year-old Rep. Valerie Foushee, who has the backing of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. In Colorado's 1st District, 28-year-old Melat Kiros is running against longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, 68, over their differing views on U.S. support for Israel. And in Massachusetts, 32-year-old Jonathan Paz is taking on House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, 62, over her approach to reforming or abolishing ICE.

  • The first primaries in the 2026 midterm elections kick off on Tuesday, February 27, 2026.
  • Nida Allam previously lost to Rep. Valerie Foushee in the 2022 primary in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District.

The players

Nida Allam

A 32-year-old vice chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners who is mounting a primary challenge to Rep. Valerie Foushee in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District.

Rep. Valerie Foushee

A 69-year-old Democratic incumbent in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District who has the backing of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Melat Kiros

A 28-year-old Ph.D. student and barista who is running against longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st Congressional District.

Rep. Diana DeGette

A 68-year-old Democratic incumbent who has represented Colorado's 1st Congressional District since 1997.

Jonathan Paz

A 32-year-old former city council member from Waltham, Massachusetts who is mounting a primary challenge to House Minority Whip Katherine Clark.

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What they’re saying

“At a moment when the oligarchs are tightening their grip on our society, we need leaders like Nida, leaders who answer to working families and not the billionaire class.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (Instagram)

“My opponent's claim that I have been absent from my role with zero ability to describe what more she would have done in Congress under the Republican majority demonstrates that she is trying to apply for a job that she does not understand.”

— Rep. Valerie Foushee (ABC News)

“We must defend our democracy against Donald Trump and work to solve our problems with dignity, justice, and a future grounded in compassion, not cruelty.”

— Rep. Diana DeGette (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These primary challenges highlight an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over its future direction, with progressives pushing for bolder stances on issues like Israel and immigration, while moderates seek to preserve the party's traditional positions. The outcomes of these races could signal whether the party will shift leftward or maintain a more centrist approach.