Leaders of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America (D.S.A.) are shifting their focus from electoral victories to advancing a progressive policy agenda amid growing political influence in the city and state governments. The organization, which recently helped unseat several incumbents in House and state legislative primaries, is preparing to intensify pressure on Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase income taxes on the wealthiest residents when the state Legislature meets in January.

The group previously pushed for higher taxes on the rich earlier this year but settled for a narrower tax on multimillion-dollar second homes in New York City, as Gov. Hochul resisted broader tax hikes. With an expanded presence in the Legislature, including nearly double the number of socialists, D.S.A. leaders believe their efforts stand a better chance of success in the coming session. Gustavo Gordillo, co-leader of the New York City D.S.A. chapter, emphasized the organization’s growing strength and the demand among progressive legislators to advance tax reforms targeting the wealthy.

Since Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral primary win last year, the city D.S.A. has grown to about 15,000 members, with strongholds in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Upper Manhattan. As the group gains momentum, internal debates have emerged over priorities, ranging from backing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential 2028 presidential bid to advancing policies on public safety, Israel’s military actions, and public utility management. The chapter has multiple working groups but has so far concentrated more heavily on electoral organizing than detailed policy development.

Among upcoming legislative initiatives, the D.S.A. plans to renew efforts to pass the “Not on Our Dime” bill, aimed at revoking tax-exempt status from nonprofits funding Israeli settlements, and to introduce legislation penalizing airlines that support arms shipments to Israel via JFK Airport. Climate and energy challenges have also gained attention, with coalition partners advocating for a state transition to renewable energy sufficient to power 12 million homes and discussions of a possible public takeover of utility company Con Edison to reduce costs.

Leaders view Gov. Hochul’s commitment to expanding affordable child care as a lever to compel tax hikes on high earners. Gordillo noted the tension around the governor’s unfunded child care program, suggesting failure to secure new revenue through taxing the rich could be politically damaging for Hochul as she seeks re-election in November. While Hochul has cooperated with Mamdani on various initiatives, her office maintains she remains cautious about raising taxes without clear necessity, emphasizing priorities on lowering costs and supporting businesses.

Mayor Mamdani has generally taken a conciliatory stance toward the governor, endorsing her re-election despite some progressive criticism. He has focused on affordability and voiced condemnation of Israeli military actions but has largely distanced himself from police reform debates, despite pressure from D.S.A. members and activists. The mayor scrapped plans to hire additional police officers after advocacy from the group and is supporting a modestly funded Office of Community Safety aimed at diverting select 911 calls to non-police responders, though this effort remains limited in scope and budget.

Some D.S.A. elected officials, such as Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, advocate for stronger police reform measures but acknowledge challenges in mobilizing broad voter support for an anti-policing platform. Meanwhile, the group faces criticism for its approach to racial inequality, highlighted by comments from Black Democratic leader Donovan Richards accusing the D.S.A. of perpetuating “white supremacy,” a charge amplified by conservative media. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton has urged the organization to better address racial disparities within its affordability agenda to avoid alienating Black communities.

Public opinion remains mixed, with a recent poll showing 42 percent of likely New York State voters view the D.S.A. unfavorably, while 30 percent have a favorable view. State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs expressed appreciation for the group’s focus on affordability but criticized its tactics and emphasis on challenging centrist Democrats, arguing it risks undermining broader efforts to regain Republican-held seats and appeal to moderate voters. Jacobs warned that prioritizing intra-party battles over wider electoral strategy could limit the D.S.A.’s effectiveness in influencing state and national politics.