Mar 6, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: More members have left the Progressive Caucus

Andrew Solender

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, wearing a dark gray jacket, black blouse and member pin. — Rep. Zoe Lofgren. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images.

At least two additional members besides Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) have left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in recent months, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The caucus' membership has swelled in the last few election cycles to encompass nearly half the Democratic Caucus — a key marker of strength for Democrats' left flank.

What they're saying: Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) both confirmed to Axios that they allowed their membership in the caucus to lapse.

Gallego, who is running for a hotly contested Senate seat in Arizona, said he left because "the prices went up" on the dues lawmakers must pay for membership. His departure was first reported by Politico.
Lofgren similarly cited the "increase in expenses" and said she opted to allocate the money for a new district office following redistricting.

Context: Caucus membership dues come out of what is known as the members' representational allowance, or MRA, a lump sum that congressional offices also use to pay for staff and supplies.

Between the lines: The two lawmakers' reasoning differs from that of Frankel and Torres, both outspoken supporters of Israel who left due to the caucus' more pro-Palestinian lean.

Go deeper: Progressive Caucus loses another pro-Israel member

Add Axios on Google

Scoop: More members have left the Progressive Caucus

What to read next