What’s next for Democrats — in November and 2027: From the Politics Desk

From the Politics DeskWhat’s next for Democrats — in November and 2027: From the Politics DeskPlus, the latest on the war with Iran.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Abdul El-Sayed speaks during a primary election night event at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit in Aug.Julia Demaree Nikhinson / APShareAdd to GoogleAug. 14, 2026, 9:54 PM EDTBy The Politics DeskIn today’s edition, “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker looks at Democrats’ recent primary results and digs into what they might mean for governing next year. Plus, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance answer questions on the war with Iran.Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Scott BlandWhat’s next for Democrats?Analysis by Kristen WelkerRecent Democratic primaries have exposed some deep and important divisions within the party, shaping not just midterm strategy but also how Democrats might govern if they win. Progressives rode a wave of energy to squeak out a narrow victory in Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed becomes one of the movement’s most important figures as he battles in a must-win Senate race this fall. And they scored another feather in their cap in Minnesota, where Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s victory makes her the front-runner to be the state’s next senator. But while that progressive energy is unmistakable on the left, they don’t have an undeniable mandate within their party. El-Sayed won by a hair, and Wisconsin’s Francesca Hong fumbled a big polling lead in the state’s gubernatorial primary in her own narrow loss this week. That’s why some progressives are tacking toward the center to appeal to swing voters — like how Flanagan didn’t directly tell me on Thursday’s “MTP Now” whether or not she supported abolishing ICE (she’s called to “rip apart” the agency). It’s why other Democrats like new Wisconsin governor nominee David Crowley have emphasized the need for his party to have a “big tent” in order to win in November. These...