Progressives Confront Democratic Leadership at Crooked Con Conference

Progressive Democrats and strategists convened at the Crooked Con conference in Washington on November 7, 2025, to debate party strategy following victories in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. The gathering focused on the tension between the party's democratic socialist wing and its established leadership, specifically targeting Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for his failure to endorse New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani.

Attendees and Mamdani's campaign manager, Morris Katz, argued that the Democratic establishment is disconnected from voters and has snubbed progressive candidates. Mamdani's victory over Andrew Cuomo served as a primary catalyst for these critiques, with progressives arguing that a more populist agenda is necessary to counter President Donald Trump and secure House seats.

Responses to these internal divisions varied among high-profile attendees. Former President Barack Obama urged the party to avoid imposing litmus tests on its different winning factions to ensure all members are treated with dignity. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego dismissed the focus on ideological disputes as internal pearl clutching, asserting that voters prioritize trust and advocacy over party tribalism.