Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, expressed concerns that the fear of a rising wave of progressives is hindering potential bipartisan collaboration on permitting reform. Speaking at an energy summit hosted by the Club for Growth and Arnold Ventures on September 5, 2026, Cruz stated, "That dynamic is dangerous right now because they are terrified of the extreme left. Finding a middle ground on ideological issues right now is … the prospects for success, particularly between now and election day, are not high." Cruz specifically referenced Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., saying, "Schumer is truly terrified right now."
Cruz's comments highlight the implications of progressive momentum for establishment figures within the Democratic Party, particularly as the 2026 midterms approach. He remarked, "They’re in the middle of a revolution. Their problem is that they’re very driven by their interest groups. They’re captured by their activists."
The summit focused on permitting reform, an area where there is potential for bipartisan agreement. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussed the limitations imposed by regulatory bodies on the expansion of nuclear energy, noting the lack of new reactors built in the U.S. over the past 40 years. Wright stated, "If it’s so uncertain and so long to permit something, it’s just not worth investing in. That’s awful! Nuclear is just an awesome energy technology."
Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, emphasized the importance of practical discussions around reform, stating, "There’s a lot of conversations going on not about who’s going to fight with whom or who is going to take credit for it, but rather what is the mechanics of getting it done." He expressed hope that permitting reform could lead to lower energy prices and better environmental stewardship.
Despite some optimism, Cruz warned that the presence of progressives in Congress complicates efforts for reform. He stated, "It is not the case that every Senate Democrat is a Marxist or Islamist. What is the case is that every Senate Democrat is terrified of the Marxists and Islamists. Because that’s where the energy is in their party, that’s where the power is, that’s where the money is; it’s where the young people are." Cruz identified Zohran Mamdani, the socialist mayor of New York City, as a significant figure, saying, "I think Mamdani is the single most powerful Democrat in the country."
Mamdani's rise has coincided with the success of progressive candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in key primary races, including the defeats of veteran incumbents like Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., and Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo. Cruz argued that this pressure makes it challenging for legislators to distance themselves from progressive influences, stating, "Look, Schumer is known for a lot of things but acts of principle and courage are not among them."