A former member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Michigan has publicly criticized progressive Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, alleging that far-left factions within the party are adopting divisive political tactics. Jake Altman, who left the DSA in the mid-2010s, accused the group of becoming "very susceptible to extremist takeover" and claimed it had incorporated Marxist and Leninist elements starting around 2014–2015.
Altman, a former labor union organizer, argued that these factions sought to influence the Democratic Party by leveraging union workers as part of a broader political strategy. He described the DSA’s direction as incompatible with his vision of a "broad, tolerant America" and warned against what he characterized as sectarian politics. His remarks were made in interviews with Fox News Digital and were later echoed in reporting by Yahoo News.
El-Sayed, a progressive candidate running in Michigan’s Senate race, has faced internal Democratic Party resistance, particularly from moderates concerned about his alignment with far-left figures. His campaign has included appearances with socialist streamer Hasan Piker, further fueling debate within the party about his electability and ideological positioning.
Altman’s comments reflect broader tensions between the DSA and the Democratic Party, with some Democrats viewing the group’s influence as a liability in competitive races. The DSA, which has grown significantly in recent years, has become a focal point for debates over the party’s ideological direction ahead of the 2024 elections.