GOP memo claims DSA statehouse push aims to seize Democratic Party

At least 65 candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America have advanced to contest state legislative seats in the November general election, according to an analysis by the Republican State Leadership Committee. The RSLC, the official GOP body focused on state-level conservative victories, stated in a memo that these races could determine the future direction of the Democratic Party. The committee’s methodology included candidates who are DSA members, DSA endorsees, or self-identified members of the organization. Estimates of the total number of such candidates vary; the Brookings Institution identified at least 76 advancing to the general election, while the RSLC found a minimum of 65 across 24 states.

The RSLC memo argues that state legislative offices provide a platform, governing experience, and organizational infrastructure for future campaigns for higher office. The document notes that several prominent DSA-aligned congressional candidates for 2026 have emerged from state and local political organizing. "The RSLC has consistently said that socialism starts in the states and that is where we need to stop it," the memo reads. It further claims that the DSA’s growing presence reflects an orchestrated effort to build political power from the state level up.

Candidates identified by the RSLC hold positions on issues that the committee describes as extreme to swing voters and independents. These positions include defunding or abolishing police departments, left-wing economic policies, and demanding race-based reparations. In New York, Democratic State Sen. Jabari Brisport’s campaign website states his intent to end policing and incarceration. Brisport also supports decriminalizing prostitution while maintaining protections against trafficking. In Wisconsin, Democratic State Rep. Ryan Clancy told a local outlet in 2023 that American policing is "epically racist and classist" and cannot be reformed. Clancy concurred with the RSLC's assertion that DSA-aligned candidates are shaping the party's future.

Economic proposals also feature prominently among DSA-backed candidates. New York Democratic Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha, running for re-election with DSA backing, has pushed legislation to allow the government to acquire Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., potentially through eminent domain. Shrestha cited a feasibility study commissioned by supporters of the bill that found such an acquisition would lower costs for consumers. Similarly, Dylan Wegela, a DSA-backed candidate in Michigan, has pushed for state acquisitions of utility companies. Shrestha told Fox News Digital that DSA-aligned state lawmakers are fighting for policies she described as popular with voters, including single-payer healthcare and public infrastructure investment.

The DSA bills itself as an economically motivated organization, though its stances sometimes clash with broader Democratic priorities. Gabriel Acevero, a DSA-backed lawmaker in Maryland, opposed a marijuana legalization measure he argued did not go far enough to address racial inequities. He declared that cannabis legalization without reparations for communities harmed by the drug war is not progressive policy. In New Mexico, State Rep. Eleanor Chávez, running with DSA backing, called Immigration and Customs Enforcement "fascist" and compared its agents to the KKK. Republicans in New Mexico condemned such rhetoric, arguing it could spur violence against law enforcement.

A Fox News poll from September found that 55% of registered voters had an unfavorable opinion of the DSA. While some Democrats view Republican attempts to tie the party to socialism as bad-faith tactics, party leadership has made concessions to its left wing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed Abdul El-Sayed's opponent in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, but a super PAC aligned with Schumer has committed millions of dollars to support El-Sayed's general-election campaign. El-Sayed is a progressive backed by figures on the party's left but has stated he is not a socialist.

Despite significant attention on DSA gains, Brookings Institution research indicated that these candidates occupy a negligible share of state legislative seats, limiting the scope of their immediate legislative power.