New survey conducted Our revolution, The nation’s largest progressive political organizing group with more than 8 million members found that a majority of grassroots Democrats believe it is time to replace the party’s status quo leaders and embrace the bold economic populism that fueled Zahran Mamdani’s historic victory for mayor of New York City.
The post-election poll of more than 3,500 progressive voters shows overwhelming support for Schumer and Jeffries’ primary candidacy, near-unanimous agreement that Democrats should run on an affordability agenda focused on cutting costs and challenging corporate power, and deep frustration with party leaders who are seen as out of touch with the working class.
“Mamdani’s victory was not exceptional. Rather, it was a rallying cry.” said Joseph Gevarghese, Executive Director of Our Revolution. “The grassroots are demanding change. They want a Democratic Party that fights for working families, taxes the rich, and takes on Trump and the oligarchs who are driving the affordability crisis. The old guard must step aside or risk losing the movement that made these gains.”
Key findings:
- 90% of respondents believe Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer should step down, and 92% would support a primary challenger against him.
- 70% say House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries should step down, while 77% say they would support a primary challenger.
- Almost everyone agrees that Democratic candidates in 2026 should embrace Mamdani’s message of affordability, with campaigns focusing on lowering the cost of living and holding companies accountable.
- Two-thirds (67%) say current Democratic leaders do not understand the struggles of the working class, with confidence in the party leadership remaining in the single digits.
- Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) say Democratic candidates should reject corporate money and billionaire money, warning that the party risks alienating its most passionate voters if it fails to act.
- Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) say they definitely would not support a Democratic candidate who accepts corporate or billionaire money. Nearly half (46%) say they are unlikely to do so, and only 3% say they will.
Lessons from Mamdani’s win: Emboldened populism wins elections
When asked what lessons Democrats should learn from Mamdani’s historic campaign:
- 89% said bold economic ideas that address affordability win elections.
- 90% said that standing up to Trump and the oligarchs builds confidence and boosts voter turnout.
- 92% said taxing the rich and breaking up monopolies are popular and practical ways to fund affordability solutions.
- 86% said it is time for a new generation of leadership in the Trump era.
- 79% said that energy and enthusiasm were directed directly at the grassroots and progressives, and not at the party establishment.
Clear warning: Do not repeat past mistakes
Participants also expressed concern that institutional Democrats might misread the moment:
- 69% fear that party leaders will dismiss Mamdani’s victory as an outlier, pointing to moderate victories in New Jersey and Virginia.
- 65% believe leadership will stick to the status quo to appease big-money donors, rather than rely on popular enthusiasm that drives voter turnout.
- 53% worry that Democrats will retreat from moral battles over identity, climate justice, and transgender rights, rather than confront right-wing extremism with conviction and courage.
“It’s not just about one city or one election.” Gevarghese added. “What happened in New York is a blueprint for how Democrats will win everywhere: confront Trump and the billionaire class, lead with moral clarity, and put the working class first with clearly populist economic policies. The base is demanding that national leaders step aside if they cannot meet this moment.”
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