Democratic Socialists of America Reaches 100,000 Members

Milestone could signal growing influence of far-left group within Democratic Party

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the largest socialist organization in the U.S., has reached 100,000 members, surpassing a goal set in 2020. The group, which counts New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani among its members, has seen increasing influence in Democratic politics in recent years, even taking credit for Mamdani's election victory. However, the New York chapter of the DSA has broken with Mamdani over his endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul's re-election bid.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of the DSA and its growing influence within the Democratic Party could push the party further to the left, as moderates embrace more progressive policies to avoid primary challenges from the group's endorsed candidates. This shift could have significant implications for the direction of the Democratic Party and the policies it pursues.

The details

The DSA, founded in 1982, had a relatively small presence on the national stage until Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign introduced a new generation of radicals to the group. Since then, the organization has become a political force, taking credit for Mamdani's election victory in New York City and helping shape his agenda. However, the New York chapter of the DSA has broken with Mamdani over his endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul, lambasting her for siding 'with her billionaire donors while offering working-class New Yorkers crumbs.'

  • The DSA reached the milestone of 100,000 members this weekend.
  • The group had set a goal of reaching 100,000 members in 2020.

The players

Democratic Socialists of America

The largest socialist organization in the U.S., founded in 1982 and seeing rapid growth in recent years, particularly after Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City and a member of the DSA, whose election victory the group has taken credit for.

Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York, whose re-election bid has been criticized by the New York chapter of the DSA.

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What’s next

The DSA's growing influence within the Democratic Party could lead to more primary challenges from the group's endorsed candidates, potentially pushing the party further to the left.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of the Democratic Socialists of America and its increasing influence within the Democratic Party could have significant implications for the direction of the party and the policies it pursues, as moderates seek to avoid primary challenges from the group's endorsed candidates.