Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) leaders are moving swiftly to position one of their own for a prominent role in the 2028 presidential contest, building directly on recent electoral gains that have strengthened the progressive left’s influence within the Democratic Party.
Fresh from sweeping victories in New York City primaries, the organization is launching an ambitious internal process to identify and rally behind a candidate who can challenge the party establishment on the national stage.
The momentum comes after Mamdani-backed candidates secured decisive wins in three closely watched congressional primaries on June 23, 2026. Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated more establishment-oriented opponents, including incumbents, signaling the growing organizational power of democratic socialists heading into the next national cycle.
DSA national co-chair Megan Romer emphasized the need for a clear alternative to recent Democratic strategies. “What DSA represents is a real contrast to Democrats who have run the last couple of elections on fear,” Romer said.
“You can’t run on that. You have to offer an alternative. And it’s really important that we be involved in that conversation in 2028. It’s important that we have somebody saying sensible things.”
This summer, the group is sending surveys to all 250 of its chapters nationwide, soliciting detailed input on potential presidential contenders and the reasons for supporting them. Chapters are expected to submit extensive reports—ranging from 20 to 40 pages—by September 15.
National leadership plans subsequent discussions with figures such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who, at 84, is not expected to run again. A formal decision is slated for the organization’s 2027 convention, though leaders remain prepared to accelerate the timeline if necessary.
Romer highlighted the importance of grassroots buy-in. “We’re going to be talking about millions of hours knocking doors for 2028 — so when we decide to really run somebody, people have to feel like they had a say,” she said.
Central to the conversation is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose potential candidacy looms large. While she has not announced plans for 2028 and has faced speculation about a Senate bid against Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DSA officials stress she would undergo the same vetting process as any other prospect.
“She will have to sell her campaign and why DSA should throw down behind it,” Romer noted, adding that the group does not engage in kingmaking among its roughly 110,000 members.
Mamdani himself has emerged as a transformative figure for the movement, elevating its national profile. However, his foreign birth renders him constitutionally ineligible for the presidency, though some members have lightheartedly discussed the idea of forcing a constitutional debate.
These New York successes add to a broader pattern of DSA-backed wins, including recent primary victories in Pennsylvania and mayoral races in Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The group continues to support challengers in upcoming contests across Colorado, Florida, and Missouri.
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