A deepening rift within the Democratic Party is coming into sharper focus as the establishment grows frustrated with the rising influence of the party’s socialist wing.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called out her Democratic colleagues for their “disrespectful” welcome of socialists into the “big tent” party.

“I think that there are a lot of very disrespectful comments that are coming from some parts of the Democratic Party that are dismissing the voters who elected these individuals,” Jayapal told CNN.

Her comments come as socialism gains ground within the Democratic Party, with socialist candidates securing major primary victories and unseating established Democrats.

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All three congressional candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani – Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier – won their respective Democratic primaries, reflecting an increasing acceptance of the far-left movement within the party.

Jayapal, who serves as chair emerita of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, argued the victories show that Americans are seeking fiercer leadership.

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“I think people are sick and tired of the old establishment politics that too many Democrats were part of moving forward, and they’re ready for something bolder,” the Democratic representative said.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., speaks during a press conference with other members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus on funding for and efforts to reform the Department of Homeland Security, in Washington, D.C., on, Jan. 13, 2026. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Jayapal raised concerns about the treatment of moderates compared with progressives within the “big tent” party, urging for fairer treatment of the latter.

“Why is it that every time a moderate wins an election, people are like, ‘That’s the new blueprint for the Democratic Party.’ But if a progressive or a Democratic socialist wins, ‘Oh, the whole party’s falling to hell in a handbasket.’”

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Jayapal slammed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a prominent Democrat, saying he was “wrong” for arguing that some Democratic socialists are engaging in performative politics.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a re-election campaign kickoff event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

She said Democrats must learn to understand what it means to be a “big tent” party.

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“I find it really insulting to say that Democratic socialists are just making noise,” she told CNN.

“I think you have to ask, ‘Why is it that we’ve lost so many Democratic voters?’ In these races, where Democratic socialists are winning, where progressives are winning, even in very tough swing states, it’s because they are bringing voters back.”