The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the largest socialist organization in the United States, is gaining traction ahead of the November midterm elections, raising concern among more centrist members of the Democratic Party. The group’s expanding influence reflects a growing appetite for progressive policies within certain segments of the party, while prompting debates over the party’s future direction.

DSA co-chair Megan Romer recently outlined the organization’s ambitious policy goals during an appearance on Fox News. These include abolishing the Senate; restructuring the presidency and Supreme Court to be subordinate to Congress; dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and removing borders; defunding the Pentagon; dismantling the prison system; and transitioning major corporations to public ownership. Founded more than 40 years ago, the DSA has historically operated on the political fringes but has gained visibility and electoral successes in recent years.

Several Democratic lawmakers have expressed unease with the DSA’s platform and rising influence. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and John Fetterman have criticized the group, accusing it of attempting to “hijack” the Democratic Party and warning that its approach embodies elements of “anarchy.”

Despite internal party opposition, DSA-backed candidates such as Zohran Mamdani have achieved notable victories in recent New York elections, including mayoral races and party primaries. Mamdani and others in the organization support progressive policies with a focus on pro-Palestinian positions, expanded healthcare access, and social reforms.

The DSA’s platform emphasizes systemic economic change, identifying capitalist structures as contributors to social issues such as violence, unemployment, and climate change. Their proposals include implementing a 32-hour workweek without reductions in pay, ending economic sanctions on countries like Cuba and Iran, and moving toward universal healthcare. The group also advocates for ending U.S. military engagement with Iran, abolishing ICE, and increasing taxes on the wealthy.

While many of the DSA’s policy objectives are considered ambitious and unlikely to be enacted in the near term, their growing prominence is shifting discussions within the Democratic Party, drawing comparisons to the surge of progressive activism marked by the 2018 “squad.” As the midterm elections approach, the presence of the Democratic Socialists signals an ongoing realignment and ideological debate within the party.