The rise of DSA is killing off Resistance 1.0 Democrats

Democrats who ooze anti-Trump resistance credibility — even central figures in past Trump impeachments — are struggling to withstand the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and their allies in party primaries .

Why it matters: In the first Trump administration, involvement in impeachment was a fast-track ticket to Democratic stardom.

Now it's seen as little more than set-dressing for an unpopular party establishment.

"Being aggressive on accountability and corruption (such as with impeachment) is not enough," one House Democrat told Axios in a text message.

Democratic primary voters, the Democrat said, "are looking for us to be more aggressive and bold on a whole host of issues. ...

Standing up to Trump is a must, but it's not enough in 2026." Another House Democrat said of impeachment: "Members now realize that it's not that big of a deal.

It's old hat ...

Especially when you can't deliver." Driving the news: Retired U.S.

Army Lt.

Col.

Alexander Vindman , who rose to prominence as a witness in Trump's first impeachment, suffered an upset loss in the Democratic primary for U.S.

Senate in Florida on Tuesday to DSA member Angie Nixon.

Vindman — like his twin brother, Rep.

Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) — used his reputation as a seminal Trump Resistance 1.0 figure to raise astonishing sums of money, bringing in more than $16 million as of July 29.