Progressive problem: Democrats are abandoning AOC’s brand as they fight to win seats in contested territory

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Some Democrats have shied away from the “progressive” label in their bids for competitive seats, while others are ideologically aligning less with the progressive left.

The progressive left label is commonly associated with members of the “Squad,” including Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who is in a high-stakes contest for the Arizona Senate seat left open by the retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), became the latest Democrat to shy away from the label when speaking with NBC News.

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