Democratic Socialists of America

Platform and goals

The DSA platform states, “You work as much as you are able and no more than needed,” echoing Karl Marx’s formulation: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” New York City’s Democratic mayor, Mamdani, has quoted Marx word for word in describing his political goals.

Within the DSA, the Marxist Unity Group describes its commitment as “the long term struggle for a fully liberated, classless society – in a word, communism.”

On public institutions, the DSA calls to “redirect funding to public services as steps toward fully abolishing the police and prison system.” Its proposal for the structure of government is: “Replace the President and the Supreme Court with an executive and judiciary chosen by and subordinate to Congress.”

Voices within the movement

Describing the Soviet Union’s collapse, DSA influencer Hasan Piker said, “The fall of the U.S.S.R. was one of the greatest catastrophes of the 20th century.” He also praised Mao Zedong: “Mao Zedong is one of the great leaders of the world.”

Mamdani aide Cea Weaver said, “If you don’t believe in the government’s sacred right to seize private property, it’s over.” Her other calls include “Impoverish the white middle class” and “Elect more communists.”

DSA congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier has called for “seiz(ing) all properties from landlords” and said, “Seize the means of production.” On immigration, she said, “Yes, literally abolish the border.”

A contrasting pledge

Two Democratic congressmen offered a different message in a pledge for their colleagues to sign: “We are capitalist, not socialist. We want safety, not lawlessness. We are proud, not ashamed of America.” Only 8 of 212 congressional Democrats signed the pledge.