The upcoming primary contest between Casar and Doggett is expected to be highly contentious, reminiscent of previous major member vs. member primaries. The Progressive Caucus is on edge due to public tensions, although many members prefer to remain neutral. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is likely to avoid taking sides in this race. A recent redistricting proposal by Republican lawmakers aims to consolidate Democratic representatives into a single district, thereby increasing competition between incumbents Doggett and Casar.
"They are going to be vicious," one senior House Democrat told Axios, speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer candid thoughts on a sensitive internal battle. The lawmaker predicted it will be Democrats' most brutal member vs. member primary since California Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman faced off in 2012, or when Michigan Reps. John Dingell and Lynn Rivers fought over a seat in 2002.
Between the lines: There is an unusual amount of contentious public back-and-forth for a primary that isn't even officially happening yet, and it has the Progressive Caucus on edge. Most said nothing or declined to comment, even on the condition of anonymity.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who has a policy of endorsing his incumbents when they face insurgent primary challengers, is unlikely to pick sides in this member vs. member race.
A Democratic leadership aide said there is a zero-percent chance he weighs in on the race. It's "dangerous to get involved," the senior House Democrat said.
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