Progressive group endorses three House freshmen

A progressive group threw its support behind three House freshmen who flipped Republican-held seats in last year’s midterms.

Democracy for America (DFA) officially endorsed Reps. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) Tuesday. All three unseated Republicans in 2018 and are running for their second term.

{mosads}DFA cast all three House members as allies of a slate of progressive causes, including expanding health care and combating climate change.

The support comes as progressive groups are intending to flex their muscle in 2020 primaries. DFA has already announced endorsements for progressive stars like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). 

“In just a few short months, Mike has established himself as a steadfast champion for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and the battle against income inequality. He’s governing on the values he ran on and the vision for the future of the country … that inspired a historic number of Americans to turn out in the 2018 midterm elections,” DFA CEO Yvette Simpson said in a press release announcing the endorsement for Levin.

DFA noted that Porter supports similar policies and that Underwood is the youngest black woman to ever win a seat in Congress.

Of the three new endorsees, Underwood is likely facing the toughest reelection challenge. Though she has yet to attract a Democratic primary challenger, a number of Republicans are looking to take her on in a district that President Trump won by nearly 4 points in 2016. Her Illinois district is rated a “toss-up” by Cook Political Report.

Meanwhile, Levin’s race is rated “likely Democratic” while Porter’s district is rated “lean Democratic.”