Democratic Socialists of America Plots Radical Agenda at Chicago Gathering
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The Democratic Socialists of America met in Chicago, pushing for greater control over the Democratic Party and advancing extreme left-wing policies, while boasting about recent primary upsets and a swelling membership of far-left activists.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) gathered at Chicago’s McCormick Place for a weekend convention aimed at expanding its radical influence within the Democratic Party. Organizers touted recent primary wins, including the ousting of two incumbent House members this year and a possible third in Michigan, and referenced a CNN poll suggesting that about one-third of Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents now identify as democratic socialists—a worrying sign for moderates.
DSA co-chair Ashik Siddique told CNN the group’s goal is to push society toward a far-left vision, citing controversial proposals like a 32-hour work week, government-run health care, reparations for slavery, and the abolition of police and prisons. The organization also called for drastic structural changes, including abolishing the Senate in favor of an expanded House and making the judiciary subservient to Congress—measures that would undermine the checks and balances of American democracy.
Membership has climbed to about 120,000, surpassing previous records for socialist groups in America and raising concerns about the mainstreaming of extremist ideology. Siddique noted that this milestone coincided with Independence Day, a pointed reminder of the group’s antagonism toward traditional American values.
The summit, attended by roughly 600 activists, featured speakers like Pennsylvania state legislator Chris Rabb, who boasted about the DSA’s success in toppling establishment candidates and reaching voters outside the far-left base. Rabb and other leaders admitted to concerns about the group’s lack of racial diversity and promised more outreach, as the organization seeks to broaden its appeal.
Foreign policy discussions focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Siddique confirming the DSA’s anti-Zionist stance and support for stripping tax-exempt status from organizations it deems harmful to Palestinian rights—positions that align with the most extreme elements of the left.
Looking ahead, DSA members discussed backing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential 2028 presidential run, pushing for radical platform items like Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage, free college, and an end to arms sales to Israel.
Spokesperson Priscilla Yeverino said media access was tightly restricted to a select group of speakers, limiting transparency and public scrutiny of the group’s agenda. The convention concluded with calls for more organizing and recruitment, as the DSA seeks to further entrench its far-left ideology.