Democratic Socialists Plot 2028 Takeover After Shocking Primary Victories

The Democratic Socialists of America is on the hunt for their 2028 presidential candidate after two of their contenders scored major primary victories in New York City. This surge marks a pivotal moment for the party, which has been gaining traction among young urban voters.

With a platform that demands higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, the Democratic Socialists aim to shift power back to workers and everyday citizens. Their recent success follows the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, solidifying their influence in liberal politics.

Darializa Avila Chevalier's victory over a Democratic incumbent and Claire Valdez's defeat of an outgoing Democrat’s chosen candidate further demonstrate the party's growing clout. “What DSA represents is a real contrast to Democrats who have run the last couple of elections on fear,” said Megan Romer, national co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The party is actively seeking additional candidates for the 2028 race, dispatching surveys to its 250 chapters for recommendations. They expect to receive detailed dossiers from these chapters by mid-September, outlining potential leaders for the upcoming election.

For years, the Democratic Socialists have been quietly rising through the ranks of mainstream politics, buoyed by progressive figures like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The election of President Donald Trump and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have made their message more appealing to some Democratic voters.

A Gallup survey from 2025 revealed a notable decline in favorable views of capitalism, dropping by six percentage points compared to four years prior. “No wonder the Democratic Socialists have such a good chance, because simply put, they’re a better brand at this point than Democrats in Congress,” stated CNN analyst Harry Enten.

Mamdani showcased his political strength during the primary, successfully endorsing three candidates who triumphed over traditional Democrats. Alongside Avila Chevalier and Valdez, Brad Lander also emerged victorious against a well-known Democratic incumbent, although he lacked official endorsement from the Democratic Socialists.

The New York City mayor is expected to play a significant role in national discussions regarding the party's future ahead of a formal vote at the Democratic Socialists of America convention next year.

Victories for other Democratic Socialist candidates are popping up nationwide, including Pennsylvania lawmaker Chris Rabb, who secured the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat, and Janeese Lewis George, a D.C. council member who won the Democratic nomination for D.C. mayor.

This upward momentum has sparked outrage among Republicans, particularly those aligned with Trump. On Truth Social, he declared, “America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country,” shortly after the New York races were called. He later referred to Mamdani’s endorsed candidates as “3 solid Communists.”

Despite their recent successes, some remain cautious about declaring a sweeping victory for the party. They emphasize the need to connect with moderate Democrats and address concerns in deep-red and rural districts. “A national map includes deep-red and rural districts where the left still has to figure out how to speak to working-class voters and compete,” noted Bhaskar Sunkara, former vice-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America.