Five candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) won their congressional races in the 2026 midterm elections, marking a historic expansion of the organization’s presence on Capitol Hill.
Five DSA-backed candidates elected to House in reliably Democratic districts, including Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez in New York, Melat Kiros in Colorado, Donavan McKinney in Michigan, and Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, according to race calls by the Associated Press. The victories follow competitive primary campaigns where DSA candidates defeated establishment-backed incumbents or challengers, including Kiros’ upset over 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st District and Chevalier’s narrow win over Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District.
The DSA’s congressional delegation will grow from two sitting members—Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—to at least seven, with preliminary results showing some candidates outperforming Democratic margins in their districts from the 2024 election. The organization’s membership has also more than doubled since 2024, reaching roughly 120,000, according to reporting from South China Morning Post.
The electoral success follows the 2025 election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor, a self-identified socialist whose victory spurred the DSA’s growth and influenced the movement’s strategy. Mamdani’s endorsement played a key role in several races, including Valdez’s win in New York’s 7th District, where she defeated Republican challenger Melvin Rivera in a race to replace outgoing Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
Primary challenges highlight party divides
DSA candidates’ victories came after contentious primary campaigns that challenged Democratic establishment figures. In Colorado, Kiros’ defeat of DeGette—who had served in Congress since 1997 and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus—underscored tensions within the party over policy direction. Similarly, Chevalier’s victory over Espaillat, a senior member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, reflected a shift in voter preferences toward candidates advocating for economic populist policies such as universal healthcare, childcare, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The primary races also exposed divisions among New York Democrats. Valdez’s win in the 7th District followed a crowded field where she received backing from Mamdani and the DSA, while her opponents, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, were supported by establishment figures like Velázquez. The race was described by Velázquez as a contest where outsiders sought to impose their views without regard for local history and political struggles.
Policy implications and future influence
The DSA’s expanded presence in Congress could shape Democratic Party strategy, particularly if the party secures a narrow majority in the House. Analysts cited by Newsweek suggest the bloc may gain outsized influence in determining national policy, especially in areas like healthcare, labor rights, and immigration reform. Grant Davis Reeher, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, noted that the DSA’s growing electoral footprint would make its voters a factor in the 2028 presidential primary process.
The organization’s policy priorities, including calls to defund ICE and implement Medicare for All, have drawn both support and criticism. While DSA candidates framed their platforms as responses to voter frustrations with economic inequality and corporate influence, opponents argued that their positions risked alienating moderate voters in swing districts. The debate over the DSA’s role within the Democratic Party has intensified, with some observers warning of a potential rift between progressive and establishment factions.
The newly elected lawmakers are expected to take office in January, where they will join existing DSA members in advocating for policies aligned with the organization’s platform. Their success in primaries and general elections signals a shift in the political landscape, with the DSA transitioning from a marginal force to a significant player in shaping the party’s future direction.