Democratic Socialists Are Winning Big. Now They Want Action.

Democratic Socialists Are Winning Big. Now They Want Action reflects the Democratic Socialists of America’s shift in New York from election victories to policy pressure. After defeating five incumbents and winning two House primaries in New York City, D.S.A. leaders joined a nearly hourlong Zoom in July to plan their next move. They said their top goal is to pressure Gov. Kathy Hochul, a centrist Democrat, to raise income taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents when the legislature meets in Albany in January. The group previously failed to win Hochul over to broader “tax the rich” measures, instead securing only a limited tax affecting multimillion-dollar second homes in New York City. The city chapter says it has grown by more than 7,000 members since Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral primary win, reaching roughly 15,000. While some members focus on backing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for a 2028 presidential run, others advocate expanding the agenda, including public safety, proposed legislation against Israel’s military actions, and a possible public takeover of its largest utility. It notes it has 14 working groups, but historically emphasized candidate selection and campaigning.