DSA co-chair discusses primary wins, controversies, and 2028 plans
8 reported
The Democratic Socialists of America have achieved recent primary wins in New York, Colorado, and Washington, DC, according to DSA national co-chair Megan Romer. In an interview with Vox’s Today, Explained podcast, Romer discussed the organization’s economic message, controversies around candidate statements, and the DSA’s ambition to run a presidential primary candidate in 2028. Romer attributed the wins to public anger over social safety net cuts, stagnant wages, and rising costs of living. She addressed criticisms about DSA positions on policing and Israel, and confirmed the DSA rescinded an endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2024 over her votes on Israeli military funding. Romer stated that Ocasio-Cortez has since pledged to vote no on all such funding.
What’s reported
DSA members won House primaries in New York, defeating the sitting chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and another Democratic establishment candidate.
Melat Kiros beat a 30-year incumbent in a Colorado House primary.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is described as a Democratic kingmaker after his endorsed candidates triumphed.
Romer said the DSA’s rise began a decade ago with Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.
Romer said the DSA wants to run a presidential primary candidate in 2028.
The DSA rescinded an endorsement of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2024 after she attended a panel on antisemitism; Romer said the endorsement came with conditions that Ocasio-Cortez later met.
DSA candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier won a New York City election; she previously posted on X about wiping her hands on an American flag and suggesting white people should not be in interracial relationships. She apologized and deleted her account.
Romer described Israel as “a genocidal apartheid state” and said the DSA does not equivocate on that definition.
Key figures
Megan Romer, national co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America
Melat Kiros, DSA candidate in Colorado
Zohran Mamdani, New York Mayor
Darializa Avila Chevalier, DSA candidate in New York City
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative
Noel King, co-host of Today, Explained
Astead Herndon, journalist
Sources: vox.com
