New Survey: Grassroots Democratic Base Sends Post-Election  Warning to Party Leaders

A new survey conducted by Our Revolution, the nation’s largest progressive political organizing group with more than 8 million members, finds that a majority of grassroots Democrats believe it’s time to replace status quo party leaders and embrace the bold economic populism that powered Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory for New York City Mayor.

The post-election survey of more than 3,500 progressive voters shows overwhelming support for primarying Schumer and Jeffries, near-unanimous agreement that Democrats must run on an affordability agenda centered on lowering costs and challenging corporate power, and deep frustration with party leaders seen as out of touch with working people.

“Mamdani’s victory was not an outlier. It was a rallying cry,” said Joseph Geevarghese, Executive Director of Our Revolution. “The grassroots are demanding change. They want a Democratic Party that fights for working families, taxes the rich, and takes on Trump and the oligarchs driving this affordability crisis. The old guard must step aside or risk losing the movement that delivered these wins.”

Key Findings:

• 90% of respondents believe Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer should step aside, and 92% would support a primary challenger against him.
• 70% say House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries should step aside, with 77% saying they would support a primary challenger.
• Nearly all agree Democratic candidates in 2026 must adopt Mamdani’s affordability message, centering campaigns on lowering the cost of living and holding corporations accountable.
• Two-thirds (67%) say current Democratic leaders do not understand the struggles of the working class, with confidence in party leadership remaining in the single digits.
• Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) say Democratic candidates should reject corporate PAC and billionaire money, warning that the party risks alienating its most motivated voters if it fails to act.
• Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) say they definitely will not support a Democratic candidate who accepts corporate PAC or billionaire money. Nearly half (46%) say they’re unlikely to do so, and just 3% said they would.

Lessons from Mamdani’s Win: Bold Populism Wins Elections

When asked what lessons Democrats should take from Mamdani’s landmark campaign:

• 89% said bold economic ideas that address affordability win elections.
• 90% said standing up to Trump and the oligarchs builds trust and drives turnout.
• 92% said taxing the rich and breaking up monopolies are both popular and practical ways to fund affordability solutions.
• 86% said it’s time for a new generation of leadership in the Trump era.
• 79% said the energy and enthusiasm are squarely with the grassroots and progressives, not the party establishment.

A Clear Warning: Don’t Repeat the Mistakes of the Past

Respondents also voiced concern that establishment Democrats might misread the moment:

• 69% fear party leaders will dismiss Mamdani’s win as an outlier, pointing to moderate victories in New Jersey and Virginia.
• 65% believe leadership will cling to the status quo to appease big-money donors, rather than lean into the grassroots enthusiasm that drives turnout.
• 53% worry Democrats will retreat from moral fights over identity, climate justice, and trans rights, instead of meeting right-wing extremism with conviction and courage.
  

“This isn’t just about one city or one election,” Geevarghese added. “What happened in New York is a blueprint for how Democrats can win everywhere: take on Trump and the billionaire class, lead with moral clarity, and put working people first with clear populist economic policies. The base is demanding that national leaders step aside if they can’t meet this moment.”