Democratic National Committee/Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

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Dem establishment's ideas deficit

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Stock: Getty Images

The centrist Democratic group Third Way recently declared "war" on democratic socialists to head off what it fears could be a far-left hijacking of the party ahead of 2028. But establishment Democrats have made clear what they're against without making much of a case for what they're for, Axios' Mike Zapler writes. It's hard to beat something with nothing. Democratic socialism, whatever you think of it, is easy to grasp: Tax billionaires and redistribute wealth. Provide government-funded health care and child care for everyone. Rely less on markets for housing and education. Empower workers with stronger unions. The establishment vision is murky. Raise taxes, but not too high; use government to make health care and child care more affordable, rather than taking them over; rein in the excesses of capitalism without upending capitalism itself. 💬 "Without question, we agree with the left that we have failed to convince working-class voters that their lives will be better if they put us in charge," Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett told Axios. "You'd have to be insane to disagree." There are already clear examples of centrists drawing a bright line with democratic socialists, Bennett added: "They're for Medicare for All, and we're for … a health care bill of rights that would improve the existing system, not throw it out and replace it with a $30 trillion socialization of the health care space."

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DNC approves 2028 presidential nominating cycle starting in South Carolina, Nevada

The Democratic National Committee on Saturday approved by voice vote its lineup of six early primaries for the 2028 election cycle, kicking off with South Carolina and Nevada.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/08/16/repub/dnc-approves-2028-presidential-nominating-cycle-starting-in-south-carolina-nevada/?

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💰 New motivation on dues

Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Speaking of the DCCC: House Democratic leadership is pointing to the colossal spending by President Trump's super PACs in their behind-the-scenes efforts to get members to pay their DCCC dues, we have learned. Why it matters: DCCC dues have fueled heated infighting among House Democrats in recent months, with several proposals emerging to force members to cough up more money. Some House Democrats want to require colleagues to pay their dues before seeking committee leadership roles, as The Washington Sun first reported. But other lawmakers, particularly in the Progressive and Black caucuses, are "furious" about these suggestions, said a senior House Democrat. They told us that "members ... don't like threats." Driving the news: "While our case to the American people is strong, our Frontliners and candidates face ugly daily attacks from the right as MAGA Inc. unloads its coffers," DCCC Chair DelBene wrote in an email to House Democrats that we obtained. While several House Democrats noted to us that DelBene routinely urges members to pay their dues — in emails and at caucus meetings — some clocked a more urgent tone than usual. One lawmaker described yesterday's email as "slightly more aggressive about shaming people" about not paying their dues than past entreaties. By the numbers: A pair of super PACs linked to MAGA Inc. have emerged as two of the top spenders on congressional races nationwide despite launching in early September. No Going Back PAC and Safety and Affordability PAC have spent $50 million and $38 million, respectively, on ads in House races, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact. — Andrew Solender

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‼️ Tough choices time

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

House Democrats' main super PAC is scaling back in three Republican-leaning races it once hoped national tailwinds could put in play, according to AdImpact and a source familiar with the matter. Why it matters: Democrats' huge ambitions are running into the reality of finite resources. The big picture: The DCCC and its corresponding super PAC, House Majority PAC, have struggled to keep pace with their GOP counterparts' monster fundraising this cycle. Republicans have the bonus advantage of a network of cash-rich outside groups, namely President Trump's MAGA Inc. and Elon Musk's America PAC. Driving the news: House Majority PAC is pulling back in ... TN-05: Democrats were bullish about their star recruit, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, until redistricting made the district redder and embattled Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) lost his primary to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. CO-03: A top target for Democrats when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) represented it, the seat has become a heavier lift for the party since she abandoned it and Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) took office last year. FL-07: Facing a situation similar to Tennessee, Democrats had liked their odds of unseating scandal-tarred Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), who lost his primary to former local news anchor Ryan Elijah. Democratic candidate Bale Dalton, a former NASA chief of staff, was a top DCCC recruit and is part of the committee's coveted "Red to Blue" program. What they're saying: Phil Gardner, a senior adviser for Blue Dog Action — a centrist group backing Dalton — told us of the cuts in Florida: "I'm not sure what HMP was thinking here." "The rest of the party is not triaging this seat," he said, citing the DCCC's poll and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark's (D-Mass.) plans to campaign there tomorrow. Gardner called it "bonkers" that HMP is spending in districts like Maine's 2nd District. The other side: "We're focused on taking back the House," CJ Warnke, a spokesperson for HMP, told us in response to Gardner's criticism. Between the lines: HMP has also made partial cuts — what it calls "shaves" — in Arizona's 2nd District and Texas' 23rd District, where Democrats have struggled to gain traction but still see a glimmer of hope. Yes, but: Some HMP triages are in districts where they feel confident the Democratic candidate will prevail. That includes Reps. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), both of whose races are rated "likely Democratic" by Cook. The PAC has pulled back in the districts of retiring Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), which Democrats are increasingly bullish about flipping. — Andrew Solender

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Democratic hopefuls shift into gear

A gathering of prominent Democrats in Denver next week could offer an early glimpse of the party’s potential presidential contenders for 2028. Analysts say some hopefuls could make their intentions known by the end of the year, but the coming weeks will likely bring more attention to some familiar names — from Pete Buttigieg and Gov. Josh Shapiro to former Vice President Kamala Harris and others.

+ Video: Presidential hopefuls are gathering in Denver next week