Subsequent primary races in Colorado saw far-left candidates easily secure the party nominations for myriad House races. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., for instance, has been sharply critical of the rise of so-called "democratic socialist" candidates in the Democratic primary process. Don’t be weirdo socialists and don’t praise Mao and do crazy shit.” AOC’s rise predated the current wave of socialist candidates, and she was a founding member of the far-left “squad” that entered Congress in 2019. Her surge in New Hampshire saw her gain 8% support from October 2025, to 22% in July of this year.