The first primaries I’m watching in 2026

Over the next 53 days, we’ll get the opening signal for 2026; a year where a whole swath of primary challengers could start changing the Democratic Party.

These early races are a must‑watch test: can pro‑worker populists break through the donor/consultant machine?

Here are the early races I’m watching, with links to my endorsements (each one includes ways to help):

• Analilia Mejía (NJ‑11) — Feb 5, 2026 (special primary) — Endorsement →
• Nida Allam (NC‑04) — Mar 3, 2026 — Endorsement →
• James Talarico (Texas U.S. Senate) — Mar 3, 2026 — Endorsement →
• Kat Abughazaleh (IL‑09) — Mar 17, 2026 — Endorsement →

How these early races go will tell us a lot about what the rest of the 2026 primary map looks like — and where the energy is.

If you want the full list as I add more: See all endorsements →