DSA-backed candidates poised to join Congress as House Democrats regain majority
Several Democratic Socialists of America-aligned newcomers are projected to win House seats in 2026, with many withholding support for Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.
House Democrats are expected to retake the majority in the 2026 midterm elections, but the party will also welcome a wave of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed newcomers who could challenge the leadership.
In New York, Darializa Avila Chevalier is projected to win the 13th district after defeating incumbent Adriano Espaillat. Chevalier, who grew up in Florida and attended Columbia University, has said she will not back Hakeem Jeffries for speaker without "commitments" on progressive policies such as Medicare for All.
Claire Valdez, a state assembly member, is projected to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez in the 7th district. Valdez, who describes herself as a "dual citizen of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Nation and the United States," has not confirmed her stance on Jeffries, noting she will "see how the midterms shake out."
Donavan McKinney of Michigan’s 13th district, who unseated Rep. Shri Thanedar in the primary, told Jacobin Magazine that his priorities include Medicare for All, universal childcare and removing corporate money from elections.
In Colorado, Melat Kiros is set to replace long-time Rep. Diana DeGette in the 1st district. Kiros, an Ethiopian-born attorney, has faced criticism for her anti-Israel statements and also indicated she will not pledge support for Jeffries.
Pennsylvania’s 3rd district will be represented by Chris Rabb, who advocates for dismantling the military-industrial complex, universal basic income and guaranteed housing, among other reforms.
Former New York City comptroller Brad Lander, who left the DSA over its response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, is running for the 10th district and has signaled an inclination to support Jeffries, contrasting with many of his socialist peers.
These incoming members represent a more left-leaning faction within the Democratic caucus, and their positions on speaker Jeffries and policy priorities could shape the party’s agenda in the coming Congress.