The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is facing internal revolt after spending $135,000 on a failed effort to boost its preferred candidate in California’s 22nd district. Progressive activist and professor Randy Villegas defeated moderate state Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains in the Democratic primary, despite the DCCC’s intervention.
Some House Democrats are now threatening to withhold their dues to the campaign arm unless it changes course. “People think the DCCC doesn't care about them other than their dues,” a senior House Democrat told Axios. Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) called it “deeply disappointing that the DCCC tried to tip the scales.”
The DCCC spent $135,000 backing Bains, but Villegas had the backing of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Hispanic Caucus. The two candidates were roughly even in fundraising and endorsements from House Democrats, according to Axios.
The upset exposes a growing rift between the party’s establishment and its progressive wing. Lawmakers in safe seats feel neglected, while competitive districts question the committee’s strategy ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The DCCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The internal backlash may force leadership to reconsider how it allocates resources in primaries.