Jeffries faces party divide after New York socialist wins

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is under pressure after several candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won congressional primaries, adding new momentum to the party’s democratic socialist wing. The article says the results have sharpened an ongoing split inside the Democratic Party between moderates, progressives, and socialists. Jeffries, who has tried to project a mainstream, coalitionbuilding image, has responded by stressing affordability and party unity rather than directly confronting the movement. The new nominees have drawn criticism from some Democrats and given Republicans fresh material for campaign attacks. The piece argues that the debate could become more difficult if Democrats gain more power in Washington, where every vote would matter and internal divisions could shape the party’s agenda.