Democratic Socialists of America
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Democratic Socialists of America members won key 2026 primaries, including Angie Nixon in Florida. The wins signal a leftward shift within the Democratic Party, with internal disagreements over priorities.
Background
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has seen a series of electoral victories in 2026 Democratic primaries, part of a broader left-wing insurgency within the party. These wins come amid persistent inflation and economic pessimism, which some attribute to growing support for socialist policies. However, the movement faces internal disagreements over priorities and external criticism from party leaders and opponents.
How it unfolded
- May 2026DSA-endorsed candidate wins a Democratic congressional primary outside Philadelphia.
- Jun 2026DSA-endorsed candidate wins a Democratic primary in Denver.
- Aug 4, 2026Abdul El-Sayed, who embraces DSA-popular positions but is not a socialist, wins Michigan's Democratic Senate primary.
- Aug 11, 2026DSA member Francesca Hong loses Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary despite leading in polls.
- Aug 18, 2026Angie Nixon, a DSA member, wins Florida's Democratic Senate primary, defeating Alexander Vindman despite being outspent.
- Aug 19, 2026DSA-endorsed Oliver Larkin challenges moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz in Florida's 25th District primary.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- DSA cochair Ashik Siddique said Nixon's win shows she speaks to working-class people left out by establishment politicians.
- Caution
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries does not support the DSA's far-left policy proposals.
- Critics
- The Republican Governors Association linked Democratic candidates to socialists and defunding police in an ad.
- Analysts
- A Washington Post-Ipsos poll found 46% of Americans under 30 would consider voting for a democratic socialist for president.
Still unverified
Claims about DSA leaders' personal wealth and privilege from a New York Post opinion piece are single-source and not independently confirmed.