Fetterman says primary wins show socialist, anti-Israel turn

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has issued a sharp critique of his own party, arguing that a series of primary victories by socialist-backed candidates demonstrates the Democratic Party is drifting out of touch with mainstream America and embracing anti-Israel and anti-American positions. His comments follow Tuesday's primary elections in New York City, where several far-left candidates defeated establishment Democrats.

Fetterman, in interviews on Wednesday and Tuesday, described the results as a "huge night for the dirtbag left." He specifically cited the victory of Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who defeated Representative Adriano Espaillat, and the win of New York State Assembly member Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Both winning candidates were endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, also a socialist.

The senator argued that to win election as a Democrat now often requires strong anti-Israel statements, which he said correlates with being anti-American and opposed to Western civilization. He pointed to the candidates' stated positions, noting Avila Chevalier is a prison abolitionist opposed to deportations and...