Young Democrats Target Incumbents Amid GOP Control

After the 2024 elections, Republicans control Washington and President Trump has begun his second term, intensifying internal debate and generational tensions among Democrats. A surge of young Democratic challengers, many former congressional staffers, are running primary campaigns against longtime incumbents in safe blue districts, criticizing party leadership for ineffective opposition to Trump's policies. High-profile races include Saikat Chakrabarti challenging Nancy Pelosi and Jake Rakov running against Rep. Brad Sherman, with groups like Leaders We Deserve and Justice Democrats investing millions in their campaigns. Veteran legislators such as Shelley Moore Capito, Jim Justice, and Riley Moore are adapting to new roles in a Republican-led Congress. In Illinois, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton's campaign for Senate highlights further competition within the party. These developments underscore Democratic divisions and a demand for generational change and stronger resistance to Republican dominance.