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.BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONSRepresentative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, yells during a State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026.
(Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)"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., progressiv...