Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., a prominent voice for the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, has issued a strong rebuke of the growing influence of socialist factions, particularly the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), within the party.
Gottheimer, a leader of the Blue Dog Coalition, stated in an interview with Fox News that members of the DSA are "not Democrats" and that their platform is incompatible with the core tenets of the Democratic Party. He accused the group of attempting to "hijack" the party and use it as a "vessel" for their ideologies, which he characterized as "communist, anti-American, open-border."
"If they're trying to take over our party, that's unacceptable to me," Gottheimer said, emphasizing his belief that the DSA's values and ideas do not align with those of mainstream Democrats. He pointed to statements and actions by DSA members, including at their conventions, where some have expressed support for ideas such as removing ICE from campuses and promoting concepts reminiscent of the Communist Manifesto and Leon Trotsky. Gottheimer contrasted the DSA's membership of approximately 150,000 with the 45 million registered Democrats nationwide, asserting that "they’re not welcome in the Democratic Party."
Gottheimer also addressed comments from other Democrats, such as Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who has called for reforms within the party to better serve working-class Americans. Gottheimer countered that such fringe groups are attempting to infiltrate both parties with incompatible ideas. He also referenced criticism from figures like James Carville, a longtime Democratic strategist, and podcaster Hasan Piker, whom Gottheimer described as an "ultimate grifter" whose past comments, including suggesting 9/11 was America's fault, make him unwelcome in the party.
"We have to make clear that’s not who we are," Gottheimer stated, reinforcing his position that the Democratic Party must actively reject radical progressive policies to maintain credibility and appeal to a broader electorate in competitive elections. He indicated he does not plan to leave the Democratic Party himself, despite noting that some New Jersey politicians, like former Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have switched parties.