In a Safe Blue District, May Gay Scanlon's Caution Is a Choice
Why Medicare for All, overturning Citizens United, and real opposition can’t wait in safe Democratic districts
Goal: Let’s get 1,000 Delco residents to start paying attention to local politics.
We’re at 572! Share this to help our group grow.
Let me start by being very clear about something upfront: this is not an attack on Democratic leadership for the sake of being hostile. Actually, the opposite is true.
A healthy political party should have debate. It should have disagreements, internal pressure, and push/pulls over priorities and values. That’s how parties eventually evolve, and actually represent the people they serve.
When questioning elected Democrats or pushing for primaries gets quietly labeled as “hostile,” that says more about party leadership than it does about the people asking questions. If leadership is confident in its agenda, values, and its record, then debate shouldn’t feel threatening.
Progressive Values and “Safe Blue” Politics
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon represents a solidly blue district. PA 05 is not a swing district and that matters, because safe blue districts should be leading the way on bold policy, not lagging behind it.
Two things stand out immediately: Scanlon has not cosponsored Medicare for All and she has not cosponsored legislation to repeal Citizens United.
Those are not fringe issues. They are core working class demands.
Medicare for All isn’t some lefty slogan … it’s about removing healthcare from the profit motive entirely. As long as healthcare is mediated through corporations, insurance companies, and shareholders, working people will always pay more. Playing coy with corporate “stakeholders” instead of rejecting their influence is how reform dies. MGS talks about “just transitions” and making sure people can keep private plans if they want. The whole “don’t spook the moderates” angle is an incoherent strategy. Delco votes overwhelmingly Democrat and Medicare for all polls VERY HIGH among Democratic voters. People in Delco are currently skipping meds, putting off surgeries, and dying because care costs too much.
Same with Citizens United. The Supreme Court ruling opened the doors for billionaires and corporations to legally buy our government. It’s why every single working class movement gets gutted, why climate bills stall, why private health insurance companies get away with profiting off of death, etc.
Scanlon still has not co sponsored the bill that straight up overturns Citizens United. Sure, she’s backed disclosure bills that are good baby steps, but she needs to go after the ruling itself. You can’t build a government for the people when corporate money owns the politicians.
Without addressing these two structural issues, real working class change is basically impossible.
We Need More Than Tweets and Highlight Reels
Being strong opposition requires more than strongly worded tweets, short explainer videos, and symbolic votes.
We’re living in a moment where there are threats to democracy, labor, and basic civil rights. The response to that cannot be cautious messaging and safe blue politics. It requires bold, confrontational opposition … not just to MAGA, but to the systems that allow non working class movements to shine.
Holding a safe seat, and choosing not to push aggressively is a choice. And it’s simply not enough for working class people who are watching their rent rise, healthcare costs explode, and their wages stagnate. We don’t need politicians who are just good at surviving cycles … they need to be able recognize the moment we are in and be willing to fight.
Why a Primary Makes Sense
Calling for a primary isn’t really about punishment. It’s about alignment and opportunity for the left.
Look at the moment we’re in … the 2025 municipal elections were a blue wave, the current administration’s approval ratings are underwater, and all signs point to a strong Democratic advantage heading into the 2026 midterms.
That means the real political battles are not going to be Democrats vs Republicans. They’re going to be Dem vs Dem in the primaries.
And that’s exactly where progressives should be focused. If the general election is likely to stay blue, then the primary becomes the chance for change. That’s where voters can choose between maintaining cautious, donor friendly politics OR sending people to Washington who are aligned with working class demands.
Primaries are how movements translate into power and avoiding them in “safe” districts hinders progress.
Note: I’ve heard this concern from two readers as well.
We Need More People to Step Up
If you’re someone in Delco who has ever thought, “I could do better than this” .. you’re probably right.
We need more teachers, organizers, union members, healthcare workers, and everyday residents to run for office. Not someday or “when the time is right,” but now.
If you are genuinely interested in running, or even just exploring what that looks like … DM me as I would love to hear from you.
Building Power, Not Burning Bridges
Again … this isn’t about tearing anyone down for sport. It’s about recognizing that representation should reflect the moment.
Safe blue districts should be leading the charge for Medicare for All and be at the front of the fight against corporate money. They should be producing bold opposition to the far right.
If they aren’t, then voters have every right (& every responsibility) to demand better.
That’s democracy working the way it’s supposed to & if Democratic leadership is confident in its agenda, it shouldn’t be afraid of that conversation.
Some activists in Delaware County are organizing a Medicare For All Town Hall with the ultimate goal of creating a coalition for M4A. See the Town Hall details below:
DATE and TIME: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2-4PM
PLACE: Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County
LOCATION: 145 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063
If you want me to introduce you to the organizer (instead of just showing up), I am happy to do so; just DM me.
You're right about Medicare for All -- it's simply a matter of marketing. When people say they want to keep their current insurance, it's not the insurance company they like, it's their doctors, and the coverage. Medicare provides nearly universal access to doctors and hospitals, and equivalent or better coverage, depending on individual choice of supplement plan, if any. And the supplements provide an avenue for insurance companies to participate.
On the other hand, Citizens United cannot be fixed with legislation in Congress, as SCOTUS can simply overrule it. But the fact is, corporations are not mentioned in the Constitution, and the Federal government has limited jurisdiction over them. On the contrary, corporations are chartered by the individual states, who can decide what powers they do and don't have. Corporations are legal "persons" only so that they can own property, and states can and do set their own rules. So the answer to CU is via the states.
The problem is that Medicare is only about 65% out of the hands of big insurance. It only covers 80% of anything. You can buy a supplement but those prices go up as you get older. The Part D plans have a cap, but it is still a couple of thousand more , plus premiums. And important meds are not covered. The cost of my healthcare went up when I started to collect Medicare, because my employer plan was not as bad. OK so now what? I think a call for universal healthcare; healthcare is a human right, is critical. Medicare for All is not where the goal post should be.