DSA Candidates Win Democratic Primaries, Eye November Elections

Candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization positioned to the left of the Democratic Party, have achieved victories in several competitive party primaries. These candidates are highly likely to win House seats in the November 2026 elections, as they are running in progressive strongholds. This trend is not new, with prominent figures like Bernie Sanders, who has represented Vermont in Congress since 1990, and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, serving in the House since 2019, demonstrating a long-standing presence of democratic socialists in American politics. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also successfully campaigned as a DSA member in 2025.

Despite these historical precedents, some prominent Democrats have expressed caution regarding these leftist victories. Conversely, many Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have characterized these wins as a surge of socialist and communist extremism that they claim threatens the American way of life. The definition of "socialism" itself is not universally agreed upon, even among those who identify as socialists. However, the concept can be applied to some of the most popular and significant institutions within the United States.

As a social work professor specializing in financial management and well-being, my research and informal discussions reveal that Americans, despite a perceived emphasis on independence, heavily rely on mutual support and government assistance. I refer to this dynamic as "interdependence." This interdependent, or "socialist," arrangement is evident even in conservative areas like North Dakota, where I reside, serving as foundational community structures that formalize mutual aid. The meaning of words can evolve over time, with "slay" now also signifying impressive achievement among younger Americans, illustrating how language adapts to new contexts and interpretations.