Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) on Sunday brushed aside chants of “you’re next” directed at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) by members of the Democratic Socialists of America, calling instead for the party to zero in on the economic anxieties of ordinary Americans.
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Warnock watched a clip of DSA activists chanting at a bar during New York’s primary election Tuesday, when several DSA-backed candidates defeated incumbent Democrats. The race highlighted a rift between New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a DSA member who endorsed the insurgents, and Jeffries, who backed two incumbents and a candidate vying for an open seat.
Host Jake Tapper noted that the chanting crowd appeared predominantly white and pointed out that Jeffries could become the first Black House Speaker in U.S. history if Democrats retake the chamber. Warnock acknowledged the party’s internal debates but steered the conversation back to policy.
“We have robust and rambunctious arguments about the direction of the party, but the focus is on the concerns of ordinary people,” Warnock said. He added, “I don’t believe in abolishing the police. You can’t have security without police. You don’t have a country without borders. But this debate will go on.”
The Georgia senator stressed that Black voters are not a monolith and will respond to candidates who address their needs. “I think part of the problem with politics, quite frankly, in our country, is that we made the politics about the politicians,” he continued. “Which candidate is in, who’s out, who’s up, who’s down, what’s going to happen to this politician come November? I’m worried about what’s going to happen to ordinary people who can’t afford their lives right now.”
Warnock criticized both parties for failing to adequately address the rising cost of living and urged Democrats to “center the people” while holding “Donald Trump and his henchmen accountable.” His remarks echoed those of Jeffries, who earlier told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki that the party must remember “the enemy is Donald Trump and MAGA extremism” after the midterms.
The DSA-backed challengers focused heavily on the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Mamdani leading a campaign critical of Israel’s actions and supportive of Palestinian rights. Jeffries has voiced support for Israel while also backing “the aspirations of the Palestinian people to achieve the dignity, respect, autonomy and self-determination that they appropriately desire.”
The primary results have stirred debate within the party, with some warning that the leftward shift could alienate moderate voters. The Congressional Black Caucus has rallied behind Jeffries amid calls for a leadership change, while analysts note that both Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer could face primary challenges if the socialist surge continues.
Warnock concluded by urging Democrats to keep their eyes on the prize: “The focus is on the concerns of ordinary people.”
