Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey issued a stark warning Sunday about Democratic Socialists of America infiltrating the Democratic Party, calling them "communists" who are "anti-American" and "anti-cop" in an appearance with conservative host Tomi Lahren.

Gottheimer, a leading moderate Democrat who chairs the Problem Solvers Caucus, argued that DSA members are using the Democratic Party as a vehicle to advance policies rooted in "the Communist Manifesto and Trotsky." His comments came one day before Michigan's closely watched Senate primary, where DSA-backed candidate Abdul El-Sayed holds a substantial lead.

Establishment Democrats Sound the Alarm

The New Jersey congressman told Lahren that moderate Democrats must "stand firm and push back" when socialists attempt to advance their agenda through the party apparatus. He specifically cited opposition to law enforcement and what he characterized as anti-American positions.

"They're trying to use the Democratic Party as a vessel," Gottheimer said, according to reports from the interview. "Common-sense Democrats will fight back when they try to push some part of their socialist agenda."

Michigan Primary as Flashpoint

Gottheimer's public criticism coincides with Tuesday's Michigan Democratic Senate primary, where establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens trails far-left challenger El-Sayed by double digits in recent polling. A victory by El-Sayed would represent the Democratic Socialists' most significant electoral triumph to date.

The timing of Gottheimer's remarks suggests growing panic among moderate Democrats about losing control of the party's direction. DSA has successfully elected members to Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Squad members, and has expanded its influence in state legislatures across the country.

Intraparty Tensions Escalate

Gottheimer previously stated in June that moderates need to stand up against incoming socialist lawmakers who push policies he views as extreme. His willingness to appear on conservative media to make these arguments signals how seriously centrist Democrats view the threat from their left flank.

Critics on the left have accused Gottheimer of collaborating with Republicans and undermining Democratic unity. Progressive activists argue that his "Problem Solvers Caucus" often enables GOP priorities rather than advancing Democratic values.

The Michigan primary result will test whether Democratic voters want to continue the party's leftward shift or return to a more centrist approach. For establishment Democrats like Gottheimer, the stakes extend beyond one Senate seat to the very identity of the party.