Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt says the Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary will be shaped by progressive politics following recent changes in the party’s congressional representation. In comments reported by Yahoo News and Fox News, Schmitt argues that a “surge” of progressives has helped unseat Democratic incumbents in New York and Michigan, and he frames these outcomes as evidence that progressive forces are gaining influence within the Democratic Party. He also characterizes the political direction of Democrats using the phrase “hammer-and-sickle,” suggesting that these ideological currents will become defining features of the party’s nomination contest ahead of the 2028 election cycle. The reports describe Schmitt’s warning as a broader political critique of the Democratic Party’s internal direction, rather than as a specific prediction tied to a formal primary contest. Both outlets present the remarks as part of Schmitt’s ongoing commentary on Democratic strategy and voter support, highlighting the role of progressive candidates in recent races and his view that this trend will carry into the next nomination process.