The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has experienced significant growth and notable electoral successes in recent years, including the election of members to mayoral and congressional positions. The organization reported a surge to 120,000 dues-paying members. However, this increased visibility has also brought heightened media attention and scrutiny to the group's platform and internal dynamics.
National coverage has highlighted elements of the DSA's platform that include calls to defund the Pentagon, dismantle what they describe as the "carceral forces of the capitalist state," establish Jerusalem as the capital of a free Palestine, and have the U.S. president selected by Congress. Concurrently, internal debates have emerged regarding strategic decisions, such as the timing of endorsing a potential 2028 presidential candidate like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Some within the movement have also expressed concerns that certain platform planks, like prison abolition, could hinder political viability.
As midterm elections approach, Republicans have sought to associate mainstream Democrats with the DSA as part of their broader messaging strategy. Former President Donald Trump has labeled the group as communists, a characterization many DSA members reject, though some do embrace the term.
Peter Sterne, an editor at City & State New York who has extensively covered the DSA, explained that core DSA principles center on a strong critique of capitalism and a belief in moving toward a society where workers have greater control over their workplaces and society. Unlike progressive Democrats who may seek to reform capitalism, DSA members generally question the necessity of private ownership of corporations and utilities. While many DSA candidates run on platforms focused on expanding the social welfare state, a fundamental philosophical difference exists regarding the ultimate goals for the economic system.
Ideological Spectrum and Electoral Strategy
The DSA identifies as a "multi-tendency organization," encompassing a wide range of left-wing ideologies. This spectrum includes members who align with democratic socialism, similar to Sen. Bernie Sanders, seeking to expand the social safety net. At the other end are members who identify as Communists, Marxist-Leninists, or Maoists, advocating for revolutionary change rather than systemic reform. This core tension shapes debates within the organization regarding electoral strategy.
A significant point of contention involves the approach to elected officials and their engagement with the Democratic Party. DSA's official strategy involves running candidates on the Democratic Party line with the long-term goal of building an independent political infrastructure. This approach is often referred to as a "dirty break" strategy, aiming to establish DSA's own donor networks and electoral operations without immediately severing ties with the Democratic Party. Some critics suggest this has evolved into a "dirty stay" strategy, focused on realigning the Democratic Party itself.
Internal Tensions: Pragmatism vs. Purity
Differences in approach are evident between national DSA leadership and influential local chapters, such as the New York City DSA, which has seen considerable electoral success. Caucuses within NYC DSA, like the Socialist Majority Caucus and Groundwork, emphasize "mass politics" and electing members to positions where they can enact policies that benefit the working class. These groups tend to be more pragmatic and are often averse to forcing elected officials to publicly defend politically unpopular stances, such as police abolition.
Conversely, other factions, including the Emerge caucus, Marxist Unity Group, and Red Star, are described as being on the "DSA left." These groups, while having less influence in New York City, often hold more sway nationally and are perceived as more ideologically focused, with less emphasis on electoral success within the Democratic Party structure. This division is particularly apparent in discussions surrounding the national DSA platform. Recently, Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist running for governor of Wisconsin, distanced herself from the platform, illustrating the tension between ideological purity and broader voter appeal.
The debate over ideological commitment versus political pragmatism is evident in how members view elected officials' public stances. Questions arise about whether elected officials should publicly support the full DSA platform or if they should be permitted to distance themselves from certain positions to gain political advantage. This tension is frequently observed in discussions related to anti-Zionism. A faction within DSA has been critical of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for what they perceive as insufficient public criticism of Israel and for supporting military aid, while others defend her approach as necessary pragmatism.
Similar debates surround the relationship between NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. While some DSA members strongly criticize Tisch due to her background and policy record, others argue that Mamdani must pragmatically work with her to navigate entrenched police power.
The DSA and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
The relationship between DSA and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is complex. While NYC DSA is generally supportive and maintains a close working relationship with her, national DSA leadership has expressed more skepticism, viewing her as willing to compromise. In 2024, the national DSA leadership initially offered a conditional endorsement for Ocasio-Cortez's re-election, requiring her to support the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel and oppose all military aid. NYC DSA, concerned about alienating her, declined the conditional endorsement, believing the organization needs Ocasio-Cortez more than she needs the DSA.
This dynamic fuels discussions about the 2028 presidential race. With no other apparent socialist candidate in a strong position, Ocasio-Cortez remains the most likely, if not only, prospect for a DSA presidential endorsement. Even those skeptical of her willingness to compromise largely concede that DSA would likely endorse her if she runs. The ongoing debate centers on the extent of DSA's support: whether the organization will fully integrate into her campaign or maintain an independent expenditure structure to support her while also articulating its own messaging and positions.