WATCH: Maryland Dems defend ‘big tent’ party as New York socialist surge fuels Dem divide

By Fox News · Fox News

Maryland Democrats rejected the idea that New York's socialist surge in primary victories signals a broader Democratic divide, insisting the races are a reflection of individual districts rather than a national shift as the party looks ahead to the midterm elections. "We have a big tent party, that's what it says," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said when asked what New York’s election results mean for Democrats. "This is a democracy," he continued. "You're going to have lots of perspectives. It's up to the voters to decide, and they did." AOC ISSUES WARNING TO HER FELLOW DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENTS IN THE WAKE OF SOCIALISTS WINNING BIG IN NYC The comments come after three far-left candidates won New York Democratic primaries , including two who defeated sitting Democratic incumbents, fueling debate over whether the victories signal growing influence and intraparty division heading into November’s midterms. "I’m all about new leadership," Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., told Fox News Digital when asked about New York’s election results. Several Maryland Democrats argued the results reflected the unique politics of individual New York districts rather than a broader ideological shift within the Democratic Party. "I think it's very reflective of the district," former U.S. Capitol Police Officer and former Maryland congressional candidate Harry Dunn said. He continued, "I think we've got to be careful applying what happened in New York to everywhere around the country." WATCH: KELLYANNE CONWAY INSISTS SOCIALIST PRIMARY VICTORIES DON'T REFLECT AMERICAN VALUES NATIONWIDE Other Maryland Democrats stressed the need to respect voters’ choices in their own districts, even when they disagree with the candidates who won. "I don't agree with all the things they've said," Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., said about the socialist candidates in New York. "I don't agree with all their positions, but I respect what the voters have done in New York. That's not reflective of the entire country." "Ev…