In a free democracy, I think Progressives see the ruling class as those in a position to influence democratic rule with an outsized influence compared to 1 person, 1 vote. And that are those with money, or with too much centralized media power or popularity.
The employees of the government and those elected are not seen as the ruling class by progressives, but just normal people that have the qualifications and are employed to manage the government on behalf of the people.
It's important therefore that those elected and put in charge of the government are in a position where they don't have the power to benefit themselves or their friends/family, but are in a position where they can wield power to benefit the people who hired them for the job (their constituents), and that if they fail to do so, they can get replaced.
The employees of the government and those elected are not seen as the ruling class by progressives, but just normal people that have the qualifications and are employed to manage the government on behalf of the people.
It's important therefore that those elected and put in charge of the government are in a position where they don't have the power to benefit themselves or their friends/family, but are in a position where they can wield power to benefit the people who hired them for the job (their constituents), and that if they fail to do so, they can get replaced.