Rahm Emanuel: Democratic Socialists Are a Separate Party, Not a Democratic Wing

Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel stated that Democratic socialists, such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, should be considered a separate political entity rather than a wing of the Democratic Party. Emanuel argued in a podcast interview that the positions espoused by many Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members, including defunding the police and advocating for open borders, are not aligned with the official stance of the Democratic Party.

"I don't believe the socialists are a wing," Emanuel said on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. "I think they are a separate party. They believe in defunding the police, which is not the party position. They believe open borders and open prisons. That's not the party’s position."

Emanuel suggested that the Democratic Party could engage with socialist groups if they adopted more moderate stances. He also pushed back against Republican characterizations of the Democratic Party's direction, pointing to the pragmatic approaches of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger as representative of the party's core.

"I don't think that's where the party is," Emanuel said. "I think the party is in the pragmatic wing; you can see that in the governor of Virginia, you can see that in the governor of New Jersey, how they both won their primaries."

He added that he believes a healthy debate between the progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party is beneficial, noting that such discussions have been absent for two decades. Emanuel contrasted this with the Republican Party, which he believes is losing its moderate wing, citing figures like Mitt Romney and John McCain.

"I happen to think we're going to have a healthy debate in our party," Emanuel told host Sean Hannity. "We haven't had it for 20 years." He continued, "There is a progressive and a pragmatic wing of the party. We'll have a healthy debate. That's what we should have. In the same way that the Romney and McCain wing of your party is leaving. They have walked away, and that's what's going to tell the story of 2026."

Emanuel’s remarks come as figures associated with Democratic socialism have gained visibility within the party, alongside its more traditional moderate base. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has reportedly turned to former President Bill Clinton for political guidance, viewing him as a model for his own potential presidential aspirations.