A recent internal demographic survey of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) indicates that a solid majority of its members identify as white. This finding emerges as the organization, which includes notable figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Queens Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, continues to experience significant membership growth.
The survey, which saw participation from 63% of NYC-DSA's membership, found that 60% of respondents self-identify as white. This demographic composition is less diverse than the general population of New York City, where 34% of residents are white according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It also contrasts with the national Democratic Party, which is approximately 56% white, according to Pew Research Center data.
This marks the first comprehensive demographic survey of the NYC-DSA since 2021, when a national survey found that 85% of DSA members identified as white. Since that time, the national DSA has grown to over 120,000 members, with the New York City chapter alone surpassing 15,600 members.
Among the non-white respondents in the recent NYC-DSA survey, 12% identified as Jewish, 14% as Hispanic, 9% as black, 10% as Asian, 5% as South Asian, 4% as Middle Eastern, and 2% as Native American. Less than 1% identified as Pacific Islander.
Initial data suggests a potential trend toward increasing diversity within newer membership cohorts. Among those who joined the NYC-DSA this year, 57% identified as white. Similarly, 67% of new members who joined the national DSA chapter this year also identified as white.