Many state and local democratic parties are far ahead of the national party in the progressive shift, too, and it’s absolutely easier to inspire change in a local or state party than the national party.
And it’s not just running for elected offices. In-party roles like chair membership and planning can be effective for driving change in a party, and also be the difference in whether the elections continue to go to the shoe-in forever politicians or someone new. The people supporting a change who have access to the resources of the party are just as important as those running.
And if anyone is thinking “my city/county/state party is so tone deaf/old/corporate” consider that they might simply need someone younger or more progessive to become more involved. In an ideal world, they’d be able to speak more with the community, but sometimes they are understaffed or unaware and rely on who is involved to provide context. Become that context.
They may not be happening in Chicago, but they are very much happening in Phoenix. I’m not informed enough specifically to say whether Chicago or any of the other listed cities were just a feint or if they have been delayed for other reasons. Its also likely that many state and city officials are doing their best to put roadblocks in the way right now.
As someone who lived in Phoenix during Arizona’s SB1070 raids, don’t expect news coverage to keep up. Even outlets trying their hardest to stay on top of it are under-resourced, and it can take time for civilian footage from the scene to get vetted. It’ll likely get better the more awareness is spread and once the strategy Trump’s administration is more well understood.