Progressive Democrats influenced the Democratic Primary

By SJ Otto

For those of us who are working in Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), we had two major victories last week. Lacey Cruse, a folk singer and political newcomer whose campaign poster proclaimed “NO MORE OLD WHITE GUYS,” will face off against incumbent Richard Ranzau in the race for Sedgwick County Commissioner.

And James Thompson will face off with Republican Ron Estes for the 4rth district representative seat.

Cruse was supported by members of DSA and a lot of political activists from this county. She beat out Michael Kinard, a Democrat established activist and former Wichita school board member. There is little doubt that Kinard was seen as a member of the traditional Democratic Party. The Kansas Democrats have done what the party has done nation wide, raised money, stuck to the political middle and avoided any real issues. This could spell a real change for this area, since Lacey has been backed by the more progressive members of the Democratic Party.

The big challenge in the county race now is to see if DSA and the other activist can out vote the good-ol'-boy network, presently represented by Richard Ranzau, out.  Ranzau is an openly bigoted right-wing hack who almost lost his own seat to a more progressive Republican, Hugh Nicks. Ranzau snubbed a Latino reporter, years ago, and he helped send back a grant for WIC (a government program to help women in poverty to get milk and other necessities to their infants) money because they were afraid immigrant Latino children might get some of that free milk. He has a streak of petty meanness and he needs to go. Do the local political activist, who are clearly energised and inspired, have what it takes to unseat Ranzau?

The Next big win was James Thompson, who recently had the backing and support of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who recently won in New York (she is a DSA member) and Bernie Sanders. Thompson already has a large political organizations with the same political activist behind him (along with DSA). Thompson was able to fill Century II with supporters of both his campaign and the more progressive movement within the Democrat Party. That movement has had mixed results nation wide. But in the 4rth congressional district of Kansas, the progressives clearly have the upper hand of the Democratic Party. Thompson also nearly beat the lazy "stay away from the public/ What!? Me work?!" Republican Ron Estes.

Even if Thompson and Lacey don't win, progressive Democrats in this county and district have made their voices heard. These elections will probably be close and they are an indicator that "business as usual" within the Democratic Party is about over. Progressive activists are already making history.