Inside House Democrats' behind-the-scenes food fight

The House's last in-session week before the midterms was beset by furious private finger-pointing between House Democrats following several high-profile rebellions .

Why it matters: This dynamic may only worsen if Democrats retake the House, which is set to see an influx of distinctly rebellious and independent lawmakers , particularly on the left.

There is even chatter among members contrasting the ability of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to control members with that of his top deputy, Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), according to two House Democrats.

Said one of the lawmakers, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share details of sensitive private discussions: "People are talking about 'mom and dad'. … Dad is soft." "I think people are asking the question: If this is happening in the minority, are you prepared for what will happen in the majority?" said a third House Democrat.

"There is no daylight between the three of us," Jeffries said at a Thursday press conference with Clark and Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).

"We'll address the situation when we address the situation," he added.

A Democratic leadership aide told Axios that everything Jeffries' deputies do is in coordination with him and doesn't represent a break between leaders.

Driving the news: Reps.

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) on Tuesday provided Republican leadership with the necessary votes to advance a package of GOP bills, including a Russia sanctions bill strongly opposed by Democratic leaders.

It was the second time this month the pair of centrists defected from leadership on a procedural vote — even after Clark and Jeffries publicly threatened them with punishment the first time.

"People thought the first time was a mistake.

The second time is defiance," said a fourth House Democrat, telling Axios the two "operate like they are above the caucus." Clark, along with Jeffries, engaged Gluesenkamp Perez in a heated discussion on the House floor during the vote in view of an Axios reporter, which sources said was about her defection.

The rebellion came after Rep.

Al Green (D-Texas) forced a vote on impeaching President Trump without support from leadership.