Politics
McCarthy: AOC Could Take Over Democratic Party Amid Internal ‘Civil War’
By Jake Beardslee · April 20, 2025
McCarthy Predicts AOC’s Rise Amid Democratic Party Turmoil
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) says the Democratic Party is in the midst of an internal “civil war,” forecasting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will emerge as a leading figure in the party—possibly even its next standard-bearer. US House Photography / Franmarie Metzler / Wikimedia
$20M Progressive Push Signals Internal Democratic Struggle
Speaking on Fox News Friday night, McCarthy addressed a $20 million initiative by David Hogg’s group Leaders We Deserve, which aims to primary establishment House Democrats in safe blue districts to make room for younger progressives. “Unheard of,” McCarthy remarked, calling it evidence of a party at war with itself. “The DNC is supposed to unite the party, but what we’re watching live is a civil war inside the Democratic Party, and they’re fighting for new leadership.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
McCarthy: AOC’s Momentum Shows Party’s Shift Toward Youth
He pointed to Ocasio-Cortez as emblematic of this generational shift, noting her previous efforts to primary incumbent Democrats—a move he claims the party tried to suppress. “She raised the most money of any member in Congress in the last quarter. She’s getting the biggest crowds,” McCarthy said. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Ocasio-Cortez Breaks Fundraising Records, Tours With Sanders
Indeed, the New York congresswoman pulled in nearly $9.6 million in the first quarter of this year, her best fundraising quarter yet, and is sitting on $8.2 million in cash. She’s currently touring the country with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on the “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, drawing significant attention. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
McCarthy: AOC and Bernie Poised to Challenge Party Leadership
“This is what I predict,” McCarthy continued. “They’re gonna fight to see who becomes the leader of this party. Right now, it’s really AOC and Bernie Sanders. But this is what’s gonna happen. They’re gonna run against Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, [Sen. Chuck] Schumer, and [Rep. Hakeem] Jeffries. That will be a motivating factor.” Jasper Colt-USA TODAY
Progressives Will Gain Power by Targeting Fellow Democrats, McCarthy Says
McCarthy also argued that the progressive wing will be more successful fundraising and energizing their base by challenging fellow Democrats rather than Republicans. “They will raise more money running against Democrats than they will running against Republicans,” he said. “And whoever comes out of that will become the leader of the Democratic Party.” William Glasheen / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK