The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are setting their sights on a presidential primary candidate in 2028, following a string of primary victories in New York, Colorado, and Washington, DC. Megan Romer, national co-chair of the DSA, outlined the organization's ambitions and addressed controversies in an interview with Today, Explained co-host Noel King.
Recent Primary Wins and Economic Message
In New York, two DSA members defeated Democratic establishment candidates, including the sitting chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in House primaries. In Colorado, Melat Kiros beat a 30-year incumbent in another House primary. These wins follow the ascendancy of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has become a Democratic kingmaker after his endorsed candidates triumphed last month.
Romer attributed the success to voter anger over dismantled social safety nets, stagnating wages, and rising costs of living. "They're looking for answers and solutions that will actually change their lives for the better," she said, citing DSA priorities like expanding child care and Medicare for all.
Addressing Controversies: Policing and Abolition
When asked about charges that DSA positions on policing are too extreme, Romer explained that the long-term goal is to address root causes of crime through free child care, health care, and education. "We know crime is inextricably linked to poverty," she said. "We're not saying let murderers run free. We're saying if we eliminate crimes of poverty, the system will have to be different." She emphasized that current "Care not Cops" programs aim to stop prosecuting people for crimes of poverty.
Candidate Vetting and Controversial Statements
Romer acknowledged challenges with vetting anti-establishment candidates, citing Darializa Avila Chevalier, who won a New York City election but had posted controversial tweets, including wiping her hands on an American flag and suggesting white people shouldn't be in interracial relationships. Chevalier apologized and deleted her account. "We are dealing with imperfect, messy people," Romer said. "Trump did bad tweets this morning."
Israel-Palestine Stance and Antisemitism Concerns
Romer defended the DSA's focus on Israel, calling it a "genocidal apartheid state" and refusing to apologize for that characterization. She addressed concerns about antisemitism, noting that the DSA stands against antisemitism but does not defend Israel. Regarding the 2024 rescinding of endorsement for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Romer clarified it was a conditional endorsement: "We wanted her to pledge not to fund Israeli military anything." Ocasio-Cortez later pledged to vote no on all funding for the Israeli military.
2028 Presidential Primary Ambitions
Romer confirmed the DSA plans to run a presidential primary candidate in 2028, building on Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign that normalized the term "democratic socialist." "If we run a presidential candidate, we can make sure there is a voice in the primary holding people to account," she said, aiming to fight for working families, labor unions, health care for all, and against the military-industrial complex.
