The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has rejected a proposal to decide its 2028 presidential endorsement through a nationwide member poll, opting instead to follow its existing convention process. The 14-13 vote by the DSA's National Political Committee (NPC) means any endorsement decision will likely wait until the organization's next convention in August 2027.
The rejection came amid growing speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). The Groundwork caucus, which advocates for an early endorsement, had pushed for a national member poll, arguing it would allow members to shape the group's democratic strategy. However, the NPC's decision leaves the endorsement process to the biennial convention.
The DSA, with roughly 120,000 members, has become a prominent socialist group in the U.S., with members including Ocasio-Cortez, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and D.C. mayoral hopeful Janeese Lewis George. The organization is composed of multiple internal caucuses, each with distinct political strategies. The Groundwork and Socialist Majority Caucuses, which advocate for using Democratic primaries to advance socialist goals, gained significant influence at the 2025 convention. Other factions, such as Bread & Roses and the Marxist Unity Group, prioritize different approaches to socialist organizing.
The NPC's decision has sparked debate among DSA members, with some criticizing the rejection of the member poll as undemocratic. Others argue that the convention process ensures broader participation and deliberation. The DSA's internal divisions reflect broader tensions within the socialist movement over strategy and priorities.