A Democratic political operative has published an opinion piece arguing that the Democratic Socialists of America should form its own political party rather than continuing to run candidates through Democratic primaries. James Christopher, founder of a Democratic political communications firm and former press secretary for the Brooklyn Democratic Party, wrote in the Washington Examiner that DSA-backed primary victories have created tensions within the party.
The article comes after two high-profile DSA primary wins in June. Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, while Melat Kiros unseated 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), who had served since 1997.
Christopher argued that while the DSA describes itself as "not a party," its activities mirror those of a political party. The organization recruits candidates, raises money, mobilizes volunteers, makes endorsements, and advances a national platform, he wrote, yet it rarely runs candidates under its own name.
What the Right Is Saying
Christopher argued that when resources including money, staff, and volunteer energy are concentrated in ideological battles within safely Democratic districts, fewer resources remain for competitive races that can determine control of Congress or the Senate. He pointed to his work on a South Brooklyn Assembly race where Democrat Joey Cohen-Saban came within 270 votes of defeating a Republican incumbent.
The op-ed argues that an organization calling for multiparty democracy should help create one rather than depending indefinitely on the Democratic ballot line while often opposing the party it uses to gain access. "If the DSA believes America needs another political party, it should build one under its own banner," Christopher wrote.
Conservative commentators have used similar arguments to highlight what they characterize as divisions within the Democratic coalition. They note that the DSA platform includes fundamental structural changes to American government that go beyond traditional policy disagreements between mainstream Democrats and Republicans.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocates argue that America's two-party system makes independent political organizing difficult in practice. DSA supporters contend that running on the Democratic ballot line is necessary to avoid splitting the progressive vote and handing victories to Republicans.
The organization has pointed to its platform, which calls for abolishing the Senate and Electoral College, replacing the presidency and Supreme Court with institutions subordinate to Congress, and establishing public ownership of major corporations. Supporters argue these represent legitimate policy differences within a broad Democratic coalition rather than reasons for separation.
Progressive commentators have noted that primary challenges from the left have historically been rare and often unsuccessful. The recent victories demonstrate that Democratic voters are actively choosing among candidates based on policy preferences, they argue. Additionally, DSA-backed candidates like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani point to popular positions such as taxing wealth more heavily as evidence of voter support for their platform.
What the Numbers Show
The DSA has grown significantly since its founding in 1972, with membership estimates ranging from tens of thousands to over 90,000 at peak periods, though exact figures vary by source. The organization claims hundreds of elected officials nationwide, including city council members, state legislators, and federal representatives.
DSA-backed candidates have won competitive Democratic primaries in New York, Colorado, Michigan, and other states. In the current Congress, DSA members include Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Summer Lee (D-PA).
The American political system has historically made third-party organizing difficult. Since 1856, only one third-party presidential candidate has won any Electoral College votes, and major structural barriers including ballot access requirements and single-member district voting systems favor the two major parties.
The Bottom Line
Christopher's argument highlights a tension within Democratic politics between groups that share opposition to Republican policies but differ on fundamental questions about government structure. Whether the DSA chooses to form an independent party would likely depend on calculations about electoral viability, voter coalition-building, and strategic cooperation with mainstream Democrats.
The debate comes as both parties face internal divisions over policy direction. Any decision by the DSA to field independent candidates could affect competitive races in states where progressive and moderate Democratic voters currently coordinate their primary choices. Political observers will watch whether the organization's recent victories lead to discussions about formal structural relationships between socialist and mainstream Democratic organizing.