A prominent centrist Democratic organization, Third Way, has announced a $15 million initiative aimed at discrediting the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The group deems the DSA a "mortal danger" to the Democratic Party's prospects, particularly in its efforts to counter Republican opposition.
The campaign, which will run through 2028, intends to target the DSA through opposition research, polling, social media outreach, and educational efforts for Democratic activists and leaders. Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett stated that the DSA's ideas are "dangerous" and their politics "toxic," arguing that the party cannot afford to be defined by "radicals" if it hopes to defeat MAGA Republicans.
This move follows a series of primary victories for left-wing and DSA-aligned candidates. Notably, Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, recently defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens in a high-profile Michigan Senate primary. Similar successes for progressive contenders in other congressional primaries this spring and summer have emboldened the left wing of the party.
Third Way expresses concern that nominating far-left candidates in competitive general election races could jeopardize the Democratic Party's chances of regaining congressional majorities in the upcoming midterm elections. Furthermore, the organization worries that the recent primary successes could influence the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination race.
"We believe the DSA poses a serious threat to Democrats," Bennett told Fox News Digital. "Their ideas are dangerous and their politics are toxic."
Responding to the announcement, DSA co-chair Megan Romer dismissed the effort, stating, "$15 million to tell working class people that a better world isn’t possible? We believe in people power, and our vision for a better future is winning. We will keep building our movement, and they will waste their money."
Bennett also commented on El-Sayed's victory in Michigan, an early voting state in the 2028 presidential primary calendar, suggesting it might send the "wrong idea" to aspiring presidential candidates about how to win primaries in such states.
The existence of the Third Way initiative was first reported by The New York Times. The group's effort aims to influence the ideological direction of the Democratic Party, particularly as the 2024 midterm elections approach and the party considers its strategy for future national contests.