Who Are The Democratic Socialists of America?

Written by David E. Smith

As our nation continues commemorating its 250th anniversary, a profound ideological battle is unfolding over America’s future. At the center of this effort to fundamentally transform the nation is the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Once considered a fringe movement, the DSA is rapidly expanding—especially in deep-blue cities and among younger Americans—as it builds significant political influence within the Democratic Party.

According to a report by NewsBusters, the DSA announced on July 4, 2026, that its membership has surpassed 120,000. If accurate, this milestone makes it “the largest socialist organization in United States history,” surpassing the peak membership of Eugene Debs‘ Socialist Party of America in 1912.

This growth is translating directly into political influence at the ballot box. Writing for Townhall, Chris Talgo highlights that the DSA’s “ambitious electoral agenda in 2026” is in full swing, featuring “nearly 90 endorsees, including more than a dozen congressional candidates.” From high-profile allies such as U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, democratic socialists are gaining influence at every level of government.

Here in Illinois, the rise of democratic socialism is becoming increasingly apparent. During a June 30, 2026, interview on CNN, Governor JB Pritzker openly pointed to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as a model for the Democratic Party’s future, declaring that embracing socialist candidates is “the recipe for winning in 2026 and beyond.”

In the Illinois General Assembly, State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and has been endorsed by the organization. Her current term runs from 2023 to 2027. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is a former DSA member and former endorsee whose current term runs from 2019 to 2027.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has also received support from democratic socialists. Although he is not a DSA member and was not endorsed by the Chicago chapter, his 2023 mayoral campaign was celebrated by DSA organizers and supported by several DSA-backed members of the Chicago City Council. The City Council also has a Democratic Socialist Caucus, which currently holds six of the council’s 50 seats.

A Radical Blueprint for “Change”

While the mainstream media often portrays democratic socialists as simply advocating for a stronger social safety net, a closer examination of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform reveals a far more sweeping agenda aimed at fundamentally reshaping America’s cultural values, economic system, and governing institutions.

On cultural issues, the DSA leaves little room for ambiguity. The organization advocates unrestricted access to abortion, promotes the full LGBTQIA+ agenda, and supports the legalization of both illicit drugs and prostitution (which they euphemistically rebrand as “sex work”).

Economically, the agenda is an aggressive expansion of government control at the expense of private citizens. In the 2026 midterm primaries, candidates like Pennsylvania congressional contender Chris Rabb have openly campaigned on a platform of “Universal Basic Guarantees.” As Talgo notes, this platform promises a sweeping array of free, state-run services:

“Medicare for All, Housing, Food and Water, Free Transit, High-Speed Internet, Childcare, Income, and Jobs. This would include a ‘universal basic income and a living wage for all.'”

Furthermore, their platform seeks a complete federal monopoly over entire industries—including a national health plan that would entirely eliminate private health insurance companies, replacing them with total government control.

Rejecting Founding Principles

The rapid growth of the DSA is raising alarm among conservatives and pro-family organizations, who argue that the group’s foundational philosophy—rooted in Marxist thought—is fundamentally incompatible with individual liberty. Critics contend that while democratic socialists often present their policies as compassionate, the underlying system depends on expansive government control, higher taxation, and class-based division. As Talgo writes, socialism is fundamentally

“an evil ideology that thrives on humanity’s worst instincts and impulses, namely envy. Socialism does not seek to inspire; it seeks to pit groups against one another in a zero-sum economic contest.”

The ongoing growth of the DSA also signals a disturbing shift in public sentiment. Data from an Economist/YouGov poll highlights that a staggering 58% of Democrats now view socialism favorably, and 62% state they would actively vote for an openly democratic socialist candidate.

Because Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, the question is no longer whether democratic socialists will influence state policy, but how much.

Their influence already extends well beyond economic policy into issues such as the sanctity of human life, parental rights, religious liberty, criminal justice, environmental policy, healthcare, gender identity, and public education.

As the DSA expands its influence among younger Americans through school indoctrination, social media and peer influence, Christians and constitutional conservatives face an increasingly urgent challenge: to educate the next generation about the dangers of socialism and communism. The growing popularity of the DSA is a sobering reminder that liberty is fragile and that defending a biblical and constitutional worldview requires vigilance.

One of the most important things we can do is faithfully teach our children and grandchildren that true liberty is ultimately rooted in the Lord. As Scripture reminds us, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). We must also teach them the importance of personal responsibility, limited government, and biblical virtue, while encouraging our extended families, church communities, and neighbors to do the same.

Every generation faces new challenges to liberty. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution reminds us that “We the People” must work to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” Those words remind us that freedom is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing responsibility. It must be preserved and passed on through conviction, education, and example.

This content was composed and finalized by the author.
IFA staff and AI tools were used for proofing and clarity.