At every level of government across the nation, Democratic primary voters are embracing progressive candidates over establishment-backed incumbents.

The issue is coming to a head this week in Maine, where Democrats think they might have a chance to pick up a seat in the US Senate. Party leaders are asking progressive Graham Platner to drop out of the primary after he was accused of raping a former girlfriend in 2021. If Platner exits the contest, Democrats will need to decide which candidate has the best chance of beating Republican Susan Collins this November.

As they try to win back power in Washington, the party is facing yet another problem: a shrinking voter base. An analysis of party registration in key swing districts released last month showed republicans have continued to make gains. 

Former Illinois State Representative Mike Zalewski lost his 2022 primary race to a progressive challenger after serving for nearly 14 years in the legislature. Zalewski joins WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley on The Point to talk about the direction of his party. 

‘The Point’ airs on WGN and streams on WGN+ each weeknight at 6:45 p.m. CT.