Far-left candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are positioned for significant wins in the upcoming midterm elections, potentially expanding the influence of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in Congress and in major cities across the country.
As of Election Day, DSA-backed or self-described socialist candidates are on the ballot in eight congressional districts, with many considered either all-but-assured of victory or within striking distance.
If successful, these House races could more than double the current number of socialist or socialist-leaning lawmakers in Congress. The DSA is also backing candidates in three mayoral races and has a competitive chance in two Senate contests.
Several House races feature DSA-endorsed candidates. In California's 7th Congressional District, Sacramento councilmember Mai Vang is running against incumbent Democrat Doris Matsui. In California's 34th, Angela Gonzales-Torres has secured endorsements from both the Los Angeles DSA and DSA National. Melat Kiros, described as a Gen Z socialist, has unseated a 15-term Democratic representative in Colorado's 1st Congressional District.
William Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement and former DSA member, is running in a Michigan swing district. Donovan McKinney, endorsed by DSA National, ousted a two-term incumbent in Michigan's 13th Congressional District and is favored to win the general election. In New York's 7th Congressional District, Claire Valdez, who has advocated for nationwide rent control, is expected to win in the heavily Democratic area. Darializa Avila Chevalier is also considered a strong contender in New York's 10th Congressional District.
Chris Rabb, who identifies as a Democratic socialist, is expected to win Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District with no Republican opponent on the ballot.
In Senate races, Abdul El-Sayed is challenging Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan. Though El-Sayed describes himself as a capitalist, the DSA's Detroit chapter has referred to him as a "comrade," and he supports policies like Medicare for All and expanding the Supreme Court. Angie Nixon, a member of the DSA, is running against incumbent Senator Ashley Moody in Florida's special Senate election.
Mayoral races also show DSA influence. Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles city councilmember, is backed by the DSA's local chapter in her race against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. In Washington D.C., councilmember Janeese Lewis George, a DSA member, is heavily favored to win the mayoral race. Providence, Rhode Island, state lawmaker David Morales, a DSA member, made history by defeating an incumbent mayor in the primary with a platform focused on housing issues and sanctuary city laws.