Democratic Socialists
Coverage of Democratic Socialists in the Nexus archive.
- Democratic socialists turn to Hong in Wisconsin with hopes for next big win
State Rep. Francesca Hong leads in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, supported by democratic socialists. Establishment Democrats, including Gov. Tony Evers, back David Crowley. Hong's position tests the influence of democratic socialists in the election.
- Former progressive Squad member Cori Bush attempts political comeback against Missouri US Rep. Bell
Former Squad member Cori Bush is running against Missouri Rep. Wesley Bell in a Democratic primary, highlighting shifting views on American-Israeli relations. Public support for Israel has decreased among Democrats, with AIPAC backing Bell, while democratic socialists support Bush.
- Manchin on supporting socialist candidate with ‘good ideas’: ‘Are you crazy?’
Former Sen. Joe Manchin rejected the idea of supporting a socialist candidate during a CBS News interview, citing the rise of democratic socialists in national politics.
- Bernie Sanders blasts Dem establishment as ‘way, way out of touch’ with American voters as he defends fellow socialists
Bernie Sanders criticizes the Democratic establishment as 'way, way out of touch' with American voters and defends fellow socialists. Podcaster Jack Cocchiarella asked Sanders about whether democratic socialists, who advocate for open borders and eradicating prisons, should not be registered as Democrats.
- Democratic socialists boost AOC for White House run after left-wing group helped elect Mamdani as NYC mayor
Democratic socialists are supporting Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) for a White House run. A left-wing group previously helped elect Mamdani as New York City mayor.
- Can Democratic Socialists Agree on Anything? They Say That’s Not the Point.
Democratic Socialists of America Summit attendees gathered at Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar in Chicago, where Katie Sims spoke during an afterparty. The event highlights the group's ongoing discussions and activities.
- Democratic socialist headed for $142K legislature salary begs for rent handout, deletes post after backlash
A Democratic Socialist candidate for New York's 34th Assembly District removed a GoFundMe campaign seeking $2,000 for rent and groceries after backlash, despite being expected to win the election and earn a $142,000 annual salary. The candidate cited depleted savings and lack of unemployment benefits as reasons for the fundraiser, which raised over $1,000 from 13 donors before deletion.
- Democratic socialist headed for $142K legislature salary begs for rent handout, deletes post after backlash
A Democratic Socialist candidate for New York's 34th Assembly District removed a GoFundMe campaign seeking $2,000 for living expenses after backlash, despite being expected to earn a $142,000 annual salary upon winning the heavily Democratic district. The candidate, Brian Romero, stated he left his legislative job due to ethics guidelines and had exhausted savings while seeking consulting work.
- Divided Democrats face a moment of truth in Michigan Senate primary
Abdul El-Sayed, a democratic socialist backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, leads in Michigan's Senate Democratic primary against establishment favorite Haley Stevens. The race highlights a partisan clash within the party between left-wing and center-left factions, with AIPAC spending $30 million to support Stevens. El-Sayed's momentum could shift the party's direction, while Stevens' supporters argue she better represents moderate voters.
- Democrats show divisions on Israel amid competitive midterm elections
Democrats show divisions on Israel amid competitive midterm elections. Democratic socialists are running in high-profile races in Michigan and Wisconsin, creating tension for mainstream Democrats regarding Israel and Gaza.
- James Carville says one democratic socialist’s ‘lunacy’ policy could haunt swing-state Dems
James Carville criticized democratic socialists for a policy he described as 'lunacy' that could negatively impact swing-state Democrats. He questioned why they do not rename themselves and stop associating their party with their policies.
- Democratic Socialists become a rising force in Democratic politics
A third of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults identify as democratic socialists, with many pushing for party reforms. Democratic socialists have secured primary wins in House races, including against incumbents Adriano Espaillat and Diana DeGette, and may influence the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. They tend to be younger, earn less than $100,000 annually, and favor moving the party left on policy issues.
- How free childcare started winning US elections: ‘Overnight, people realized how essential it was’
Francesca Hong, a candidate for Wisconsin governor, is promoting free childcare as a practical and essential policy. She emphasizes connecting with voters through economic arguments and moral responsibility for children's welfare.
- Cori Bush and Wesley Bell's rematch sets up key test for Democrats in Missouri
Cori Bush and Wesley Bell are locked in a rematch for a Democratic primary in Missouri, reflecting internal party divisions over issues like the U.S. alliance with Israel and democratic socialism. Both Black candidates have roots in the civil rights movement following Michael Brown's 2014 shooting. Bush, ousted in the previous election, faces Bell, a moderate prosecutor, in a race testing voter preferences between activism and pragmatism.
- Cori Bush and Wesley Bell's rematch sets up key test for Democrats in Missouri
Cori Bush and Wesley Bell are engaged in a rematch for a Missouri congressional seat, reflecting broader Democratic Party tensions over progressive activism, moderate pragmatism, and issues like the U.S. alliance with Israel. Bush, a democratic socialist, faces Bell, a prosecutor, with both leveraging civil rights movement roots but diverging on political strategies.
- Democrats brush off fears within party about threat of democratic socialists
Democrats in the House and Senate are rejecting concerns that democratic socialists are taking over the party, emphasizing that primary victories by left-leaning candidates do not indicate a takeover. Internal divisions, particularly over Israel, are creating tensions within the party.
- Jon Stewart presses Mamdani on where he breaks with fellow democratic socialists on prisons and borders
Jon Stewart questioned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani about his disagreements with fellow democratic socialists on policies like prison abolition and border security. Mamdani emphasized balancing safety and justice, highlighting his work to reduce crime and close Riker's Island while advocating for borough-based jails.
- Messy primaries plague both major political parties, causing chaos and confusion in the midterms
Both major political parties face chaotic primaries disrupting midterm strategies, with Republicans struggling over Trump's Iran war and party control, and Democrats dealing with internal conflicts between moderates and progressives. Candidates in Wisconsin and Maine have been affected by scandals and internal divisions, complicating their campaigns.
- Can a democratic socialist win governor's race in battleground Wisconsin?
Democratic socialists anticipate a potential victory in Wisconsin's governor's race, which is considered a battleground state. The article highlights the movement's optimism about winning in an unlikely location.
- Littwin: Never mind Jared Polis, Melat Kiros and democratic socialists are not a threat to America
Columnist Mike Littwin argues that Jared Polis, Melat Kiros, and democratic socialists do not pose a threat to America. The article dismisses concerns about these individuals and their political ideology.
- SENATOR TIM SHEEHY: Crazy conspiracy theories are undermining America’s defense
Senator Tim Sheehy criticizes conspiracy theories undermining the National Defense Authorization Act, specifically Section 1217, which establishes a U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation initiative. He refutes claims that the provision merges militaries or compromises U.S. command authority, emphasizing the strategic benefits of the partnership.
- Socialism’s rise inside the Democratic Party now threatens the American Dream
Socialist candidates Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez won Democratic primaries in New York, supported by socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani. Their victories signal growing influence of socialism within the Democratic Party, with policies targeting labor, business, and government expansion.
- Stephen A. Smith rips democratic socialists, says ‘this ain’t Denmark’ in defense of the American dream
Stephen A. Smith criticized democratic socialists and asserted that the U.S. is distinct from Nordic countries like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, defending the concept of the American dream.
- New York Republicans make pitch to Jewish voters: ‘You have a home with us’
New York Republicans are targeting Jewish voters by linking Democratic leaders to inflammatory rhetoric from Mamdani and comparing Democratic Socialists to Nazis. The campaign aims to position Republicans as a safer alternative for Jewish communities.
- Wilson: Melat Kiros’ detractors aren’t reading the room, and it shows
The article argues that critics of Melat Kiros and the Democratic Socialists should consider the electoral success of DSA candidates. It suggests that detractors are overlooking the effectiveness of DSA strategies in winning elections.
- James Carville blames Bernie Sanders for Trump being president in fiery rant
James Carville criticized Democratic socialists, blaming Sen. Bernie Sanders for Donald Trump's presidency. He argued Sanders' anti-establishment rhetoric weakened Hillary Clinton's campaign in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- The deceptive promises of America’s democratic socialists
The article argues that America’s democratic socialists make deceptive promises and suggests the party should not move further to the left. It critiques the direction of the party's policies.
- Sen. Kennedy says democratic socialists will ‘lead their party to defeat’ in November
Sen. John Kennedy said the Democratic Party is now controlled by their 'loon wing' of democratic socialists who will lead them to electoral disaster in November in a new interview on Sunday. The GOP senator told John Catsimatidis, the radio host of 'Cats Roundtable,' that the rising popularity among Democratic voters for democratic socialist candidates will…
- James Carville unloads on far-left Democrats after primary upsets, says ‘you're part of the problem’
James Carville criticized far-left Democrats for primary election upsets, calling them 'part of the problem' and accusing them of undermining the party by targeting moderate incumbents. He highlighted examples in New York and Colorado where Democratic Socialists unseated longtime Democrats and warned against the influence of 'false prophets' in upcoming midterms.
- Democrats and democratic socialists should unite for election victories
Democrats and democratic socialists should unite around primary winners across the ideological spectrum to focus on opposing Trump, addressing the affordability crisis, and avoiding wars. The goal is to secure a majority in at least one congressional chamber during the midterms.
- A democratic socialist in Wisconsin tests how far left voters want to go in a battleground state
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and single mother, is running for governor in Wisconsin, a key swing state, to test how far left voters are willing to go. The Democratic primary on August 11 will determine her candidacy's viability against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has Trump's endorsement. Hong advocates for policies like defunding police, free healthcare, and a $20 minimum wage.
- Democratic socialists are on the rise. We’ve seen this movie before
Democratic socialists are increasing in prominence, and the article suggests a Democratic leader should clarify that they are distinct from liberals and progressives. The piece highlights the need for a clear distinction between these groups.
- The man who ran Bernie’s campaign says Democrats are still making the same mistakes with Democratic Socialists, and they should laud Mamdani’s win
Tad Devine, Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign strategist, claims the Democratic National Committee coordinated with Hillary Clinton's campaign to block Sanders' nomination, leading to Trump's election victory. He argues the party continues to mishandle power dynamics and should recognize Mamdani's recent win as a model for engaging with Democratic Socialists.
- Karl Marx knew what the DSA doesn’t. America hates socialism
The article argues that the Democratic Socialists' movement faces significant challenges in the U.S. due to deep-seated opposition to socialism in American tradition and values. It contrasts Karl Marx's understanding of this resistance with the current movement's approach.
- Trump uses semiquincentennial to bash communism
President Donald Trump's speeches during the semiquincentennial celebrations criticized communism as a 'cancer,' referencing events at the National Mall and Mount Rushmore. He highlighted veterans and linked his message to countering democratic socialists' recent primary wins in New York and Colorado, as midterms approach and amid growing voter concerns over economic and Iran issues.
- Wins by the far-left set up challenge for Hakeem Jeffries
Primary victories by democratic socialists could challenge Hakeem Jeffries if Democrats retake the House. Jeffries may need to address a restive left flank as he seeks the Speakership.
- James Carville worries about the 'end of the two-party system' as democratic socialists gain popularity
James Carville and Al Hunt expressed concerns about the rise of radicals in both political parties, warning that the two-party system may collapse. Carville criticized democratic socialists who won Democratic primaries, suggesting the party should split to exclude them, and argued that young people's economic struggles are overstated.
- The Democratic socialists are no longer on the fringe
Democratic socialists are gaining prominence in U.S. politics as candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier, Melat Kiros, and Hartzell Gray use terms like 'comrades' and advocate for policies including Medicare for all and abolishing ICE. These candidates achieved primary victories in New York and Colorado, signaling broader support for left-leaning platforms.
- Trump trots out the C-word — communism — not getting the memo that capitalism has been largely discredited with Gen Z
President Donald Trump and Republicans are labeling Democrats as communists ahead of midterms, conflating democratic socialism with communism. Democratic socialists recently won several congressional primaries, prompting GOP leaders to criticize 'extreme liberals' and shift focus to contrast 'common sense and crazy.'
- Trump and Republicans return to communist attacks against Democrats ahead of the midterm elections
President Donald Trump and Republicans are labeling Democrats as communists to attack progressive candidates ahead of midterms. Democratic socialists like Zohran Mamdani and Melat Kiros have won primary elections, prompting GOP figures such as JD Vance and Mike Johnson to warn against Marxist policies. The strategy aims to contrast 'common sense' with leftist ideas as Republicans seek to maintain congressional majorities.