The two progressive lawmakers have addressed massive crowds in solidly red states including Idaho and Utah in recent days, as party of the national Fighting Oligarchy Tour.
A survey taken by Harvard’s Center for American Political Studies and Harris between April 9-10 found that 72% of Democratic voters supported politicians like Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), “who are calling on Democrats to adopt a more aggressive stance towards Trump and his administration and ‘fight harder’,” rather than leaders who are willing to “compromise” with President Donald Trump.
The problem is that the two parties are deeply entrenched and make it extremely difficult to launch third-party or independent challenges in many states. In some states, it may make sense to run as an independent or in a new party. In others, it may be better to challenge them in primarie. I think there may even be states where it makes sense to co-opt the Republican primaries to challenge a sitting centrist Democrat. Whatever the case, you’re under no obligation to remain in any party once you’re elected.