Blue Dog centrists push working-class appeal as Dem primaries test unity

Centrist Blue Dog Democrats are expanding their endorsements to a dozen candidates across states including Kentucky, Montana, New York, Florida, Arizona and Ohio, with some backing overlapping Bernie Sanders’ allies as they seek to broaden the Democratic map in districts carried by Trump in 2024. The move highlights a strategy to balance working-class credentials with progressive goals as key primaries in Michigan and Missouri approach, notably Michigan’s Senate contest between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed and Missouri’s 1st District rematch between Wesley Bell and Cori Bush, which could shape the party’s unity and November prospects.