Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) says that if Democrats win back the House in November’s midterms, moderate members will need to hold the line against what she called some of the “proposed crazy legislation” from Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members, according to a Friday interview on NewsNation’s “The Hill.”
Asked by host Blake Burman what might happen if DSA-backed candidates join the next Congress alongside a Democratic majority, Gillen acknowledged the existing presence of the “Squad” but stressed the importance of moderate unity.
“Well, look, we already have the Squad, right? So, they’re already there. But it’s really important that we stick together as moderates to make sure that some of their proposed crazy legislation does not get to the floor,” Gillen said.
Her comments come as several DSA-aligned candidates are running in heavily Democratic districts in New York, making their path to Congress increasingly likely, Gillen noted. She did not specify which bills she considers “crazy,” but her remarks reflect a broader intra-party tension between progressives and moderates as Democrats eye a potential majority.
Moderate Democrats and the ‘Squad’ Divide
Gillen’s warning underscores the balancing act party leaders may face if they retake the chamber, where a slim majority could give outsized influence to progressive factions. The “Squad,” a group of progressive House members that includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), has often pushed for policies like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, which have at times put them at odds with more moderate Democrats.
The interview, which aired Friday, did not delve into specific legislative proposals, but Gillen’s use of the term “DSA bills” points to measures championed by socialist-leaning lawmakers. In recent years, DSA-backed legislation has included efforts to defund police, abolish ICE, and implement rent control measures, though none have advanced to the floor under the current Republican-controlled House.
New York’s DSA Candidates
Gillen specifically highlighted the situation in New York, where several DSA-endorsed candidates are running in “very dark blue districts,” making their general election victories nearly a foregone conclusion. This, she suggested, would likely bring more DSA-aligned voices into the Democratic caucus.
The congresswoman did not name the candidates but was likely referencing races in New York City and surrounding areas, where progressive challengers have sought to unseat incumbents or replace retiring lawmakers. In 2020, DSA-backed candidates such as Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones won primaries in New York, though Bowman has since faced primary challenges from more moderate rivals.
Implications for a Democratic Majority
If Democrats retake the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi or her successor would need to manage the competing wings of the party. The divide has been a recurring theme in recent Congresses, with moderate Democrats often withholding support for progressive priorities, and progressives sometimes threatening to sink bipartisan compromises.
Gillen’s comments reflect a pragmatic strain among Democrats who fear that extreme proposals could hurt the party’s chances in the next election cycle. She said moderates must “stick together” to prevent such measures from reaching the floor, where they could become fodder for Republican attacks in 2028.
Reaction and Context
Gillen, who represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, has positioned herself as a moderate Democrat since taking office in 2023. Her district includes parts of Nassau County and has been a target for Republicans in previous cycles, but she won reelection in 2024.
The NewsNation interview has drawn attention on social media, with progressives criticizing Gillen for disparaging DSA proposals, while moderates have praised her for acknowledging the need for intra-party checks.
Neither the DSA nor the Congressional Progressive Caucus has responded publicly to Gillen’s remarks. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee did not immediately provide comment.
This report is based on a transcript of the interview provided by Breitbart News.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/09/05/dem-rep-gillen-if-we-take-house-moderates-will-have-to-ensure-some-crazy-dsa-bills-dont-get-to-floor/