'We're Proving It Works': Inside the DSA’s Push to Remake the Democratic Party

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is making significant strides in redefining the Democratic Party. On the second day of their national summit in Chicago, the group's members were buzzing with energy and optimism. Chris Rabb, a DSA member who recently won a congressional primary, spoke about his excitement and the power he feels in his role as a "bonus rep" for constituents.

DSA's membership has swelled to over 120,000, and its candidates have been successful in challenging establishment Democrats in primaries across the country. Zohran Mamdani, a long-time member and current New York City candidate, is leading the charge in major cities like Seattle and Washington, D.C. While DSA's platform is more radical than what's typically seen in successful candidates, the group's members are confident in the movement's potential.

However, there are concerns about DSA's ability to translate its success in urban areas to swing states. The recent loss of a Democratic socialist state legislator in Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary to an establishment candidate has raised doubts about the movement's reach. Yet, despite these challenges, DSA leaders see this as an opportunity to demonstrate that their agenda can resonate with a broader electorate and prove that their candidates can be both effective and radical.