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NEWS

Apr
2
2025

Axios

Another older House Democrat gets a primary challenger

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) is the latest House Democrat facing a younger primary insurgent — in this case, his 37-year-old former aide.

Why it matters: The challenge to Sherman, 70, comes as Democrats are bracing for a deluge of primary fights driven by grassroots anger towards the party establishment.

...

Driving the news: Jake Rakov, a onetime deputy communications director for Sherman, launched his candidacy Wednesday morning with a video in which he ripped his ex-boss. His candidacy was first reported by Politico.

  • "If you want to know why we as Democrats are so bad at fighting back against Trump, look at guys like my former boss," Rakov said.

  • Citing Sherman's nearly 30-year tenure in Congress, Rakov said he is running on a 10-year congressional term limit — as well as pledges that he will hold town halls in the district and won't take corporate PAC money.

Zoom out: Rakov's challenge comes as the liberal grassroots are in virtually open rebellion against their party's leadership.

  • Tensions within the party erupted last month after some Senate Democrats voted to pass Republicans' government funding bill rather than use it as leverage.

  • Democrats across the country have faced heated town hall audiences and low approval ratings among members of their own party.

Read the full article here.