The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is facing internal divisions over its approach to supporting a presidential candidate, particularly with regards to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who is rumored to be considering a 2028 presidential run.
The tensions within the group have surfaced as it continues to grow in influence on the national stage, with some members pushing for an earlier presidential endorsement and others resisting the idea. The existing convention process, which selects endorsements at the biennial national convention, has been a point of contention.
A faction known as the "Groundwork" caucus is advocating for a national member poll to endorse AOC on day one, believing an early endorsement will allow the group to hold a more influential early role in 2028 presidential politics. However, the National Political Committee (NPC) recently rejected a proposal to allow the group's 2028 presidential endorsement to be decided through a nationwide all-member poll.
This decision has been met with criticism from many DSA members, who see it as a way to suppress their right to vote. Some have taken to social media to express their discontent, with Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the group's New York City chapter, labeling the decision as a "power grab" and "taking away our members' right to vote."
Others have warned that the delay in endorsing AOC may put the group on the back foot in the 2028 presidential moment. J. Ryder, a founding editor of a magazine on communism, argued that waiting to endorse until the convention may mean "6 months+ of vital AOC campaign time where the masses will be mobilizing without intervention by DSA."
Despite the controversy, some committee members have pushed back against the criticism, stating that chapters are still allowed to conduct polls of their members. The debate highlights the growing factional tensions within the DSA and the challenges it faces in positioning itself as a leading force in the 2028 presidential campaign.
The stakes are high, with the DSA seeking to capitalize on the momentum generated by Ocasio-Cortez's message and position itself as the vital core of her campaign. However, the group's recent electoral wins and the "Fight Oligarchy" tour with Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have also raised concerns about the organization's potential impact on national security and its stance on issues such as Israel and America's allies.
As the DSA navigates these challenges, the group's leadership must balance the desire to support a bold, democratic socialist presidential campaign with the need to address the concerns of its members and the broader national audience.
The outcome of this internal debate will have far-reaching implications for the DSA and its prospects in the 2028 presidential election. With Ocasio-Cortez's potential candidacy on the horizon, the group must navigate the complexities of its own internal dynamics and the national stage to position itself for success.
The DSA's recent history has been marked by controversy, including its withdrawal of endorsement for Ocasio-Cortez's re-election bid in 2024, citing her failure to meet certain conditions. The group's stance on issues such as Israel and America's allies has also generated debate, with some critics accusing the DSA of promoting radical ideology that poses a national-security risk.
