Squad socialist scores re-election nod as radical wave continues to sweep party

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., one of Congress’ most outspoken progressives and a member of the “Squad,” won the 12th Congressional District’s Democratic primary on Tuesday evening, teeing up her reelection for a fifth term.

Tlaib’s primary victory against Michigan state lawmaker Shanelle Jackson and Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen continues a string of victories for progressives as the Democratic Party’s far-left wing enjoys pronounced primary election success that has strengthened the hand of their coalition. It has also widened the range of positions held by their candidates.

When Tlaib and her fellow Squad members joined the House of Representatives in 2019, their campaigns stood out for their far-left views. Tlaib and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in particular, stood out because of their membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Eight years later, the DSA has backed Tlaib again.

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“For years Rashida has been a strong voice in the halls of the Capitol, unapologetically standing up for the working class everywhere. Fighting for affordable housing, for clean air and water, for an end to the genocide in Gaza, and so much more – Rashida is a beacon of hope and courage for those in her district and across the world,” the group said in a statement.

The group has also vastly expanded its influence beyond established figures like Tlaib.

From primary candidates in New York like socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier and her victory over incumbent Rep. Adriano Espillat, D-N.Y., the veteran chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to Melat Kiros, another socialist in Colorado, unseating 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., progressives have expanded their influence over the party.

It’s a stark reversal of the party’s finger-pointing in the wake of disappointing 2020 congressional election results where Democrats were left with slimmer majorities in the House and Senate.

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“Don’t say socialism ever again. We need to get back to the basics,” then-Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said at the time.

But Tlaib, along with other progressives in the party, pushed back, arguing that their platforms would set the future tone of the party. In a widely circulated memo on Nov. 10, 2020, they made the case that progressives would appeal to an expanded voter base.

“We need a new generation of leadership grounded in a multiracial, working-class experience and background,” the memo urged.

“As we speak, congressional Democrats are debating why they underperformed and some have been quick to blame progressives. There is no denying Republicans levied salient rhetorical attacks against Democrats, but these will continue to happen as they do every cycle,” they continued.

Tlaib, in comments to Politico at the time, argued the platform would appeal to a kind of populist streak in the Democratic Party — similar to the populism she saw present in Trump’s appeal among the GOP.

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“If we truly want to unify our country, we have to really respect every single voice. We say that so willingly when we talk about Trump supporters, but we don’t say that willingly for my Black and Brown neighbors and for LGBTQ neighbors or marginalized people,” Tlaib said.

Having once again secured the Democratic nomination in 2026, Tlaib will advance to the general election on Nov. 3, 2026, where she is heavily favored to win. She last won reelection against Republican challenger James Hooper in a 69.7% to 25.4% victory in 2024.