Progressive group urging ‘uncommitted’ vote in Washington state Democratic primary

The progressive group Our Revolution is backing the “uncommitted” effort in Washington state, adding to support for the protest vote movement against President Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The endorsement on Sunday from the progressive group comes after more than 100,000 Michigan voters cast ballots for uncommitted last week. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) also endorsed the protest Sunday.

The group said it supports the “uncommitted” vote to “apply political pressure on the Biden Administration to reevaluate its stance on the War in Gaza, aligning it more closely with the Democratic base and bolstering its chances of reelection and defeating Donald Trump in November.”

The Washington Democratic primary is March 12.

“Coming off the momentum generated in Michigan, we need to continue lifting up our voices and sending a clear message to President Biden — We need a ceasefire now,” Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese said in a statement. “If we do not change course, he will be putting our Democracy at risk.”

Led by Arab American community leaders and progressive activists and backed by notable politicians, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the “uncommitted” movement is seeking to mobilize tens of thousands of Democrats nationwide who disagree with Biden’s response to the war in Gaza.

The Biden administration has increased pressure on Israel in recent weeks amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions and encouraged a six-week cease-fire, but it refused calls from the protesters to support a permanent cease-fire.

Vice President Harris declared the need for an “immediate cease-fire” on Sunday, referring to the six-week deal under negotiation, garnering praise from Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

“The VP has called for an immediate ceasefire, and urgent aid into Gaza,” Jayapal wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now let’s back it up with policy shift.”

Harris also criticized the Israeli government, denouncing the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza and calling on the country to facilitate more aid deliveries for Palestinian civilians.