Internal divisions have emerged within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) regarding the organization's approach to endorsing a presidential candidate for the 2028 election, exacerbated by growing speculation about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's potential candidacy.
The roughly 120,000-member group, which has increased its influence in national politics, is experiencing fractures over how best to advance its socialist ideals. Some factions within the DSA are advocating for an earlier endorsement process, diverging from the organization's customary practice of selecting endorsements at its biennial national convention, scheduled for summer 2027.
A caucus known as "Groundwork" is strongly pushing for the DSA to conduct a national member poll and endorse Ocasio-Cortez promptly. This group believes an early endorsement would empower the DSA to play a more significant role in the early stages of the 2028 presidential election cycle and contribute to building socialist power.
However, the DSA's National Political Committee (NPC) recently rejected a proposal to determine the 2028 presidential endorsement through a nationwide all-member poll. The committee voted 14-13 against the proposal, leaving the decision to the existing convention process, which means any endorsement is unlikely before the August 2027 convention.
This decision has drawn criticism from various DSA members. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the DSA's New York City chapter, expressed his disapproval, stating that the NPC's vote removed the rank-and-file members' right to vote on the presidential endorsement. He further noted the financial contributions from the NYC-DSA chapter to the national organization.
J. Ryder, founding editor of a magazine focused on communism, described the committee's decision to suppress a member poll as "severely disappointing." Ryder argued that this stance would put the DSA at a disadvantage in the 2028 political landscape, potentially causing them to miss crucial campaigning time if an endorsement comes months after public mobilization begins.
Conversely, committee member Amy Wilhelm pushed back against criticisms, asserting that there was no intention to prevent members from participating in chapter polls and that the current resolution allows chapters to conduct polls using their standard methods. Other users on social media platforms also accused Gordillo of spreading misinformation and attempting to create division within the organization.
Eve Seitchik, a DSA member from Massachusetts, characterized the internal disagreements as a "massive escalation of factional tensions" and expressed concern that the DSA was heading down a "dangerous path."
Recent electoral successes for the DSA and joint events featuring Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have, according to some members, demonstrated a national appetite for a democratic socialist presidential campaign. Proponents of an early endorsement argue that the DSA should position itself as the political home for individuals inspired by Ocasio-Cortez's message and become a vital core of her potential campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly confirmed whether she intends to run for president in 2028. Rumors also suggest she might consider a Senate run in New York. Despite being a prominent figure associated with socialist ideals and an ally of Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez has previously faced scrutiny from the DSA. In 2025, the organization issued a statement condemning her vote against an amendment to block additional funding for Israel's "Iron Dome." In 2024, the DSA withdrew its endorsement for her re-election bid, citing unmet conditions related to opposing funding for Israel and supporting boycott, divestment, and sanctions measures for the country. The DSA's New York City chapter, however, maintained its endorsement.
A spokesperson for Canary Mission commented that an Ocasio-Cortez presidency would grant the socialist movement access to the full power of the executive branch. The spokesperson expressed concern that this power could be placed in the hands of a movement whose ideology, they stated, prioritizes ideological allegiance over national interests and shows sympathy towards adversaries, posing a national security risk.
Fox News Digital reached out to Ocasio-Cortez's office and the DSA for comment.