Democratic socialists in Massachusetts are experiencing challenges translating growing national momentum into electoral success within the state, despite increased membership and grassroots organizing efforts. While the movement has seen notable victories in other parts of the country, Massachusetts’ entrenched political landscape presents significant obstacles for candidates running under or affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) label.
The Boston chapter of the DSA, one of the largest in the country with over 3,100 members, endorsed just one candidate in the recent primary cycle: Evan MacKay, a labor organizer from Cambridge who ultimately lost in their bid for a state legislative seat. Interestingly, several other democratic socialists who ran and won their primaries did so without the chapter’s backing. The group’s cautious approach reflects a strategic focus on issue-based organizing and community building, rather than exclusively prioritizing electoral wins.
State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven, a Somerville democratic socialist who won a crowded Democratic primary for a state Senate seat, managed to secure victory without official DSA endorsement. The chapter had narrowly decided not to back her campaign, expressing doubts about their ability to win in one of Massachusetts’ most progressive districts. Uyterhoeven emphasized the importance of growing the movement’s voice and representation within the state legislative body.
Reflecting on broader trends, democratic socialism has gained traction in other states, particularly in urban areas like New York City, where several DSA-affiliated candidates have won congressional primaries. Florida also witnessed the rise of Angie Nixon, a state representative turned U.S. Senate Democratic nominee shortly after joining the DSA. In Rhode Island, David Morales unseated Providence’s incumbent mayor in a historic primary result. These victories have contributed to shifting perceptions of democratic socialism from fringe to more mainstream within certain Democratic circles.
In Massachusetts, however, long-standing incumbency advantages and well-funded political establishments pose challenges for democratic socialist candidates. According to local organizers, overcoming the strong financial resources and political infrastructure of entrenched officeholders requires sustained effort. Despite this, the Boston DSA has expanded its membership by nearly 1,000 since January and engaged in extensive field operations, including knocking on over 54,000 doors for MacKay’s campaign.
Internal tensions have also surfaced within Massachusetts chapters. In 2023, the Boston DSA attempted to expel state Representative Mike Connolly for endorsing more moderate Democrats and House leadership figures, leading Connolly to leave the local chapter while maintaining national membership. This discord illustrates ongoing debates within the movement about coalition-building and political strategy.
Democratic socialism continues to face mixed reactions among Massachusetts voters. While progressive policies endorsed by the DSA, such as government-run healthcare and wealth taxation, enjoy considerable support among Democrats, the socialist label itself remains polarizing. Some moderate Democrats running as incumbents have leveraged concerns about socialism to discredit progressive challengers.
Looking ahead to the November ballot, Massachusetts DSA groups plan to canvass for or against eight of nine ballot questions, though fundraising remains limited. Other left-leaning organizations, such as the Working Families Party, have made inroads by endorsing candidates and building local political influence. Yet, as advocates acknowledge, converting the surge of grassroots enthusiasm into consistent electoral victories in Massachusetts will require sustained collaboration and strategic development.