Full Breakdown
Bernie Sanders-Endorsed Progressives Win Democratic Primaries Across Multiple States
6/4/2026, 5:56:21 AM
Core Event: Endorsed Candidates Secure Primary Victories
On Tuesday, progressive candidates who received endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders won Democratic primaries in New Jersey, California, and Montana. In New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, surgeon Adam Hamawy prevailed, while incumbent Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-NJ) captured more than 80 % of the vote in the 11th District. In California, former San Francisco city supervisor Jane Kim advanced to the general election for state insurance commissioner, and political scientist Randy Villegas leads the jungle primary in the 22nd Congressional District. In Montana, former smokejumper and union leader Sam Forstag won the Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District, setting a contest against Republican Aaron Flint in the fall.
Background & Context: Sanders’ Endorsement Strategy
Senator Sanders has pursued a coordinated endorsement effort aimed at building a national progressive movement. In a recent interview, he described the goal as “building a movement for the future” capable of challenging both President Donald Trump’s Republican agenda and the Democratic Party’s establishment, which he characterizes as dominated by big-money interests. The endorsements are intended to provide an alternative platform focused on opposition to authoritarianism, kleptocracy, and unnecessary wars.
Key Figures & Groups: Endorsed Candidates and Campaign Leadership
- Bernie Sanders (I-VT): Senator and primary architect of the endorsement campaign.
- Faiz Shakir: Senior adviser to Sanders, who publicly celebrated the primary outcomes.
- Adam Hamawy: Surgeon and Democratic nominee for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
- Analilia Mejia: Incumbent Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, winning with an 80 %+ margin.
- Jane Kim: Former San Francisco supervisor, advancing in the race for California insurance commissioner.
- Randy Villegas: Political scientist leading the jungle primary in California’s 22nd Congressional District.
- Sam Forstag: Former smokejumper and union leader, Democratic nominee for Montana’s 1st Congressional District.
Data & Statistics: Primary Outcomes
- Five Sanders-endorsed candidates secured victories in the reported primaries.
- Analilia Mejia received over 80 % of the vote in New Jersey’s 11th District.
- The primaries spanned three states (New Jersey, California, Montana) and covered congressional, state-wide, and local races.
Official Statements & Responses: Summarized Positions
Senator Sanders emphasized that his endorsements aim to create a movement opposing Trump’s authoritarianism and the Democratic establishment’s reliance on large-scale financial contributions. He framed the effort as essential for offering voters a progressive alternative. Faiz Shakir described the Tuesday results as a “clean sweep” for Sanders’ endorsements, indicating a coordinated success across the contested races.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Shaping up to be a clean sweep for Bernie’s endorsements last night,” — Faiz Shakir, Senior Adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders
- “building a movement for the future” — Bernie Sanders, Senator (I-VT)
- “Our effort is to lead a national movement against Trump’s authoritarianism and kleptocracy and unnecessary wars and his contempt for the Constitution,” — Bernie Sanders
- “But equally important, the American people need an alternative to the Democratic establishment, which is significantly dominated by big-money interests.” — Bernie Sanders
What’s Next: General Election Contests
The endorsed candidates now face upcoming general-election battles. Sam Forstag will contest Montana’s 1st Congressional District against Republican Aaron Flint. Jane Kim proceeds to the statewide election for California insurance commissioner. The outcomes will test the broader impact of Sanders’ endorsement strategy on the 2024 electoral landscape.
