In a scathing editorial published September 24, 2026, American Thinker contributor Robin M. Itzler argues that the Democrats running in this year’s midterms are not the “usual squishy socialists” but something far more alarming: people who hate Americans, the United States, and the Constitution.
The piece, titled “When Democrats Tell You Who They Are, Believe Them,” offers a rapid-fire tour through more than a dozen Democratic candidates, mixing candidate statements, social media posts, and alleged past behavior. Itzler frames the roster as evidence that the party’s far-left wing has moved from fringe to front line, and warns voters that “there are crazy people throughout the United States who are representing the Democrat Party in the 2026 midterms.”
From Colorado to Florida: The Congressional Contingent
The editorial begins with Melat Asfawosen Kiros, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America running in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. Itzler notes that Kiros once said the September 11 attacks were “inevitable.”
Next is Adam Hamawy, running in New Jersey’s 12th District, whom Itzler describes as having testified for the defense in the trial of Omar Abdel-Rahman, the “Blind Sheik” convicted for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
William Lawrence, a Michigan Democrat running in the 7th District, draws particular ire. Itzler writes that Lawrence was so disgusted with moderate West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin that he wanted him to “hurry up and die so that we (the leftist revolution) can get started.” Lawrence has also blasted the nuclear family, called for abolishing the Senate, and demanded a “fundamental overhaul” of the Constitution, according to the piece. Though Lawrence let his DSA membership lapse in July 2026, Itzler predicts he would renew it if elected.
Angie Nixon, a DSA Democrat running for Senate in Florida, is criticized for supporting a $25-an-hour minimum wage, free childcare, protecting illegal aliens, Medicare for All, and taxing the rich. In a clip from the “Questions Need Answers” podcast, Nixon said Republicans are “literally trying to kill us” and described ICE as “a weaponized paramilitary force that is designed to terrorize us.”
Then there’s Shelly Headen, a North Carolina state legislative candidate who allegedly visited Dachau and took a smiling photo of herself in front of the crematorium ovens, supposedly posting it with the caption, “This is where Trump supporters belong.” Headen denies the post, claiming sabotage. But the Carolina Journal found other resurfaced comments in which Headen allegedly wrote on Facebook, “I think our only hope is an attack on US Soil … preferably Alabama, Louisiana … where the stupid people live,” and on LinkedIn that “MAGA cult may be more destructive and evil than the Nazis.” Itzler notes that even Headen’s own party has distanced itself.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a DSA member running in New York’s 13th District, is cited for a social media post about wiping her hands on the American flag. Chris Gallant, a Long Island Democrat running in New York’s 1st District, is mocked for having posed for S&M photos for a San Francisco leather company called Mr. S. Leather.
Texas and Beyond: Senate Races and Local Contests
Texas Senate candidate James Talarico comes under fire for what Itzler calls lies in his campaign. The piece claims Talarico said on video that “God is non-binary,” then later backtracked. It quotes Reverend Babs Miller of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church saying, “I can guarantee you that once he gets elected, he’ll change his tune back to where he was.” Itzler also ridicules Talarico for answering a reporter’s question about his favorite drag queen with “Alyssa Edwards.”
Claire Valdez, a socialist running in New York’s 7th District, is quoted from Instagram saying she would carry the fight of Mexicans who fought for independence against Spain to Congress, and that she would be New York’s first Mexican American representative. Itzler adds a note that roughly 35 to 40 Mexican American members already serve in the House.
Hallie Shoffner, an Arkansas Senate candidate challenging Republican Tom Cotton, is quoted from a September 9 podcast saying she would trade five Americans for one undocumented immigrant because “they’re some of the best people we know” and “we’d trade five Americans for just one of them because of how hard they work.”
David Crowley, a Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate, is criticized for saying he doesn’t see “any scenario where we would want to partner with ICE” and for supporting policies that bar local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers and give driver’s licenses and in-state tuition to illegal aliens.
Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, running for U.S. Senate in Michigan, is described as a buddy of Hasan Piker, the anti-American podcast host. Itzler claims El-Sayed deleted social media posts before announcing his run, including ones saying he dislikes football, Mackinac Island, Ford trucks, guns, and July Fourth fireworks. Piker, who served as El-Sayed’s surrogate during the primary, has said El-Sayed is moderating his positions only for votes. Piker also said he believes the U.S. is worse than al-Qaeda “pound for pound, as far as the number of deaths,” and quoted a friend saying, “I hate America.” Itzler adds a disclaimer that if it’s fair to link Piker to El-Sayed, it’s equally fair to link Tucker Carlson to Vice President Vance.
A Swipe at Republicans, Too
Before closing, Itzler turns on two Republicans he says are hurting the America First agenda, including Karl Rove, who announced he was voting for Democrat Jon Rosenthal over Republican Bo French in the Texas Railroad Commission race. The piece trails off with a single word: “Flo.”
The editorial is a classic example of opposition research turned into a voter guide, stitching together candidate quotes and social media posts into a narrative of a party captured by its most extreme elements. Whether voters agree with Itzler’s framing or not, the piece makes clear that the 2026 midterms will be fought as much over personality and patriotism as policy.
Source: www.americanthinker.com — https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/09/when-democrats-tell-you-who-they-are-believe-them/