This week, we break down five special elections that delivered major victories for progressive Democrats across the country. From Christian Menefee’s win in TX-18 and Taylor Rehmet’s upset in Texas State Senate District 9, to Erik Bottcher in New York Senate District 47, Diana Moreno’s grassroots victory in New York State Assembly District 36 (aka The People's Republic of Astoria), and Analilia Mejia’s win in New Jersey’s 11th District, these races offer a clear picture of what’s working for Democrats right now. 

What do all those candidates have in common? And how did they pull it off? We take a close look at the issues each candidate ran on — affordability, lowering costs, healthcare, labor, and immigration reform — and how strong organizing and clear messaging helped carry them over the finish line.

The episode also digs into the voting results, how endorsements played a role, and coalition-building that powered these campaigns. What do these wins signal for Democrats heading into the midterms? Are progressives building a durable path forward? What lessons can be scaled nationally? If you’re looking for reasons to feel cautiously optimistic about the future of American democracy, this episode delivers both the receipts and the roadmap.

New episodes out on Tuesdays.