Have progressives peaked? The next few weeks will be crucial in Democrats' tug-of-war

The Democratic Party faces an internal conflict between progressives and the establishment ahead of the 2026 midterms, with upcoming primaries in Maine, Michigan, and Minnesota as key battlegrounds. Progressives, led by figures like Bernie Sanders, are pushing for radical change, while centrists warn that this could hurt the party's general election prospects. Republican officials have criticized the growing influence of the progressive movement within the party.