The Democratic Party's internal civil war was on full display Tuesday night as Evanston Mayor Daniel Bliss managed to win the primary to replace longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) with a measly 29.6% of the vote - barely defeating progressive challenger Kat Abughazaleh in what should have been a slam dunk for the establishment candidate.
The Associated Press didn't even call the race until 10:36 p.m., more than two hours after polls closed, highlighting just how divided Democrats have become in this deep blue district. When your own party can't decisively pick a candidate in a safe seat, you know there's trouble brewing.
Democrats Eating Their Own
This primary fight perfectly illustrates the chaos within Democratic ranks as different factions of the radical left battle for control. Bliss, representing the establishment wing, faced strong competition from Abughazaleh and other progressives who apparently didn't think he was woke enough for their liking.
The fact that Bliss could only muster less than 30% support in his own party's primary speaks volumes about the lack of enthusiasm for Democratic leadership. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to unite Republicans behind his America First agenda while Democrats tear each other apart.
"This is what happens when your entire platform is based on divisive identity politics rather than putting Americans first," said one local Republican observer.
Illinois Continues Leftward Spiral
Illinois's 9th District has long been a reliable Democratic stronghold, but this messy primary shows even safe blue seats aren't immune to the party's internal dysfunction. While Republicans rally around proven conservative principles, Democrats can't even agree on which flavor of socialism they prefer.
With Bliss likely to cruise to victory in the general election thanks to the district's partisan makeup, voters in Illinois's 9th can look forward to more of the same failed policies that have driven businesses and families out of the state.
The question isn't whether Democrats will hold this seat - it's whether their party will still exist in recognizable form by the time Trump finishes draining the swamp and restoring America's greatness.