Paula Jean Swearengin Wins WV Senate Primary

[JRCF29 8,230]

Progressives won big in one WV race last night, as Paula Jean Swearengin defeated more moderate Democrats in the party's Senate primary. Swearengin was endorsed by Justice Democrats, the activist group associated with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, in a 2018 primary fight against Sen. Manchin and her campaign is centered in part around a promise to deliver Medicare For All. She faces a tough battle in a state that President Trump carried by 40 points in 2016 and has a significant cash deficit to overcome as Shelly Moore Capito, the incumbent U.S Senator (R), has a war chest of $3.1M to Swearengin's $29,000. Additionally, Natalie Cline, also allied with the Medicare For All movement, advanced to the general election in the First District but the race is not considered competitive as the district has become increasingly Republican over time. 

Elsewhere in the state, the more liberal wing of the party suffered an electoral defeat. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Stephen Smith, a progressive candidate for Governor, but it wasn't enough to overcome Ben Salango, the moderate who netted a 5-point victory in the race. 

Progressives have their highest-profile attempt of the cycle coming up in New York's 16th District, as Jamaal Bowman tries to oust embattled incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel.

 

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Edit: A previous version of this story did not clarify that Swearengin's Justice Democrats endorsement was in a previous election cycle. The story has been updated with accurate context.

[tomsches 17,550]

yaaas

[Emvee 8,838]

YESSSSS!! Go Paula, Go! 

[thehanyo 4,251]

How did they do overall?