What is a democratic socialist? Inside the movement behind Mamdani’s rise

Progressive victories in Colorado, including 29-year-old Melat Kiros’ stunning upset of 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette, are drawing new attention to democratic socialism and a movement that has steadily expanded its influence within the Democratic Party.

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The wins follow a series of victories in New York by candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, while fellow progressive Brad Lander also won his Democratic primary, highlighting the growing influence of the party’s left flank.

The victories have renewed interest in democratic socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA, the nation’s largest democratic socialist organization. The group grew rapidly following the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

While the movement has historically found success in deep-blue districts, recent wins in New York and Colorado suggest its influence may be expanding beyond a handful of urban strongholds, even as questions remain about its appeal in competitive statewide and general elections.

Here is what to know about the movement.

What is democratic socialism?

Democratic socialism is a political ideology that seeks to reduce economic inequality by expanding the role of government in providing public services while maintaining a democratic system and a largely market-based economy. 

“We are activists committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives,” the DSA’s mission statement says on its official website, which notes that the movement represents “a more free, democratic and humane society.”

Unlike traditional socialism, democratic socialists generally do not call for government ownership of all businesses. Instead, they argue that essential services such as healthcare, housing and education should be more accessible through public investment and stronger regulation of private markets.

Most democratic socialists in the United States run as Democrats rather than through a separate political party, making the movement a faction within the Democratic coalition rather than its own ballot line.

DSA is the country’s largest organization associated with the movement and the group now claims to have more than 100,000 members nationwide.

What policies do democratic social ists support ?

While platforms differ from candidate to candidate, several proposals have become closely associated with democratic socialists.

One of the movement’s signature messages is “tax the rich.” That often includes higher taxes on corporations and high-income earners, including millionaire taxes. Some candidates also support a wealth tax to help fund expanded government services.