Some Democrats uneasy with their leadership’s firm opposition to reopening the federal government privately admit they fear backlash from their party’s left-wing faction if they vote in favor of a Republican-backed funding measure.

Grassroots activists angered by the Trump administration have been urging Democratic lawmakers to stand their ground. On Saturday, crowds attended “No Kings” demonstrations across the country to protest President Donald Trump’s policies.

Within that context, Democrats recognize they could face significant criticism from the party’s progressive wing if they reopen the government without securing policy concessions.

“People are going to get hammered” if they vote for the House-passed measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, said one Democratic senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal party deliberations.

A second source familiar with the internal dynamics of the Senate Democratic caucus told The Hill ahead of the “No Kings” protests that centrist senators are hesitant to break ranks with party leadership while Democratic activists mobilize nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations.

“We would have enough votes” to reopen the government “if people were not terrified of getting the guillotine,”

Just three members of the Democratic caucus have voted with Republicans in the Senate to reopen the government: Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) and Angus King (Maine), an Independent who caucuses with Democrats.