The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is intensifying its efforts to influence the Democratic Party, with a focus on achieving further upset victories in key House races. Fresh off recent successes, the organization has its sights set on potential breakthroughs in Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Thus far, the DSA has supported four candidates in House races who have secured victories: Melat Kiros in Colorado, Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, and Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez in New York. The DSA also backed incumbent Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
The organization has identified at least nine more House races as targets for the upcoming electoral cycle. A closely watched contest is in Missouri, where former Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) is seeking a return to Congress after her 2024 loss to Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.). Bush's previous campaign faced criticism over her stance on Israel, an issue that has seen shifts within the Democratic Party. Polling in the race indicates a close contest.
Bush has received endorsements from prominent figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Her race is seen as a barometer for changes in the party's position on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Missouri, the DSA is also supporting Hartzell Gray, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) in a district where Republicans are considered favored.
The Missouri primary is scheduled for August 4, coinciding with primaries in Michigan. In Michigan, the DSA is backing Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), along with candidates Donavan McKinney and Kyle Blomquist.
McKinney, a Michigan state representative, is running in the 13th Congressional District against incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.). McKinney has criticized Thanedar, comparing him to "Detroit's own Elon Musk." Thanedar previously supported the impeachment of former President Donald Trump.
Like the race in Colorado where Kiros defeated long-time incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Col.), Thanedar is running in a deeply Democratic district. Meanwhile, Blomquist is competing for the Democratic primary in a district held by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), a seat rated as solidly Republican by the Cook Political Report.
In Wisconsin, the DSA is supporting Katrina DeVille for the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.), and Emily Berge is vying for the nomination to run against Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.). Only Van Orden's seat is considered competitive in the general election.
On August 18, the DSA is backing Oliver Larkin in Florida to challenge Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). Additionally, Heath Howard is running for the open seat in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH).
The New Hampshire 1st Congressional District has been a target for Republicans. If the DSA candidate prevails in that race, it could serve as a test of the far-left's viability in competitive general elections.
Beyond DSA-endorsed candidates, other progressive Democrats have challenged incumbents or established politicians they deem too moderate or ineffective. This trend includes Graham Platner's primary victory over Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Rep. Seth Moulton's challenge to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). In Michigan, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who has secured the backing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is leading in a three-way primary race against more moderate candidates.
Overall, five high-profile Democratic incumbents have lost their primaries so far, including some not endorsed by the DSA. These outcomes could present challenges for Democratic leadership in Congress should the party regain control of the House.