Internal divisions have surfaced within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) concerning the selection of its presidential nominee for 2028, a situation amplified by growing speculation about Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's potential candidacy. The roughly 120,000-member group, a prominent socialist organization in the U.S., is experiencing fractures that illuminate differing strategies for achieving socialist ideals on a national level.
Some factions within the DSA are advocating for an earlier presidential endorsement, deviating from the organization's standard practice of making such decisions at its biennial national convention, which is scheduled for summer 2027. The "Groundwork" caucus, for instance, is strongly pushing for a national member poll to endorse Ocasio-Cortez "on day one," believing this would secure an influential early role in the 2028 presidential race and "build power for socialism."
In a closely divided 14-13 vote, the DSA's National Political Committee (NPC) rejected a proposal to determine the 2028 presidential endorsement through a nationwide all-member poll. This decision leaves the endorsement process to the existing convention framework, meaning any national endorsement would likely not occur until the August 2027 convention.
The NPC's vote drew sharp criticism from various DSA members. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the group's New York City chapter, expressed his displeasure on X, stating that the national leadership had "overturned our convention & took away rank and file members’ right to vote in an all-member poll on presidential endorsement." He further argued that this action deprives members of their voting rights, despite the New York City chapter contributing significant annual dues.
J. Ryder, founding editor of a magazine focused on communism, echoed this sentiment, calling the committee's decision to reject polling "severely disappointing." Ryder warned that this move could put the DSA "on the back foot in the 2028 moment," suggesting that waiting until the convention could cede crucial campaign time to mobilized masses without DSA intervention. He criticized what he described as "sectarians on the NPC" suppressing even a non-binding poll, fearing the implications of member democracy.
However, some within the NPC pushed back against these criticisms. Committee member Amy Wilhelm responded to Gordillo on X, accusing him of lying and stating there was "never intention to prevent" members from participating in polls, asserting that chapter polls are still permitted under the current resolution. Another X user, under the handle "tylerisposting," also told Gordillo to "stop lying" and attempting to instigate a split.
Eve Seitchik, a DSA member from Massachusetts, characterized the events as a "massive escalation of factional tensions" and expressed concern that the DSA has been set "down a dangerous path."
Arguments for an early endorsement, particularly for Ocasio-Cortez, stem from the belief that recent electoral successes and joint tours with figures like Senator Bernie Sanders have demonstrated national enthusiasm for a democratic socialist presidential campaign. Proponents suggest the DSA should position itself as the political home for those inspired by Ocasio-Cortez's message, viewing her as potentially on the "precipice of running for — and potentially winning — the presidency of the United States."
Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly confirmed any presidential aspirations for 2028, with rumors also suggesting a potential Senate run. Despite her prominent socialist profile and alliance with Sanders, she has had past disagreements with DSA leadership. The organization previously condemned her vote against an amendment to block additional funding for Israel's "Iron Dome" and, in 2024, withdrew its endorsement for her re-election citing unmet conditions, though the DSA's New York City chapter maintained its endorsement.
A spokesperson for Canary Mission, an organization that monitors the DSA, commented that an Ocasio-Cortez presidency would grant her movement significant executive power. The spokesperson expressed concern that such a movement, which they described as placing "ideological allegiance above America’s national interests" and showing "sympathy toward their adversaries," could pose a "profound national-security risk."