Is 'The Squad' Splintering?

The progressive group of Democrats lost two members in recent primary defeats and its leader is tilting mainstream. What now?

- DARRAGH ROCHE

THE FUTURE OF A PROGRESSIVE GROUP OF DEMocrats known as "The Squad" could be in doubt after some recent defeats ahead of the 2024 congressional elections.

"Six years into existence, it now has a stronger resonance for the media and in the eyes of its Republican opposition than on the Democratic side of the aisle," Mark Shanahan told Newsweek. He is an associate professor in politics at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and co-editor of The Trump Presidency: From Campaign Trail to World Stage.

Two members of the group of nine lost their primaries in recent months, while one of the co-founders of The Squad, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, has recently drawn closer to more centrist figures in the Democratic Party.

The House of Representatives group was founded following the 2018 midterm elections by four progressive congresswomen: Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. Its members have not shied away from criticizing their own party, but condemnation of Israel's conduct in Gaza-a war that divides much of America-has been a focus for opponents.

In a changing landscape, the group could be facing its biggest challenge yet, but it still holds sway on Capitol Hill, political analysts told Newsweek.

Primary Defeats

Two members of The Squad lost their primary elections and will not be returning to Congress.

Representative Cori Bush of Missouri's 1st congressional district and Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York's 16th district were both defeated in their bid for reelection.