Radical DSA Leader Behind NYC Mayor's Rise Is a Mime

David Jenkins, a member of the DSA's National Political Committee, is also the founder of the Broken Box Mime Theater.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a mime performer in black and white, their movements repeated and overlapping in waves of bright, vibrant colors, conveying the frenetic energy and radical politics of the Democratic Socialists of America.The unconventional tactics and radical agenda of the Democratic Socialists of America, led by a mime on their highest decision-making body, are reshaping New York City politics.NYC Today

One of the top leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who played a key role in the rise of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is a mime performer. David Jenkins, a 40-year-old Flatbush native, was elected to the DSA's National Political Committee last year and leads the implementation of the group's radical political agenda, including pushing for the abolition of police and prisons. When he's not participating in DSA meetings and protests, Jenkins is the founder of the Broken Box Mime Theater, where he writes and performs mime acts.

Why it matters

The revelation that one of the DSA's most influential leaders is a mime performer highlights the unconventional and often controversial nature of the socialist group's leadership. As the DSA continues to gain political power, particularly in New York City under Mayor Mamdani, the group's reliance on unorthodox tactics and figures like Jenkins raises questions about the party's priorities and decision-making processes.

The details

Jenkins was elected to the DSA's National Political Committee in 2025, where he leads the implementation of the group's major political goals. As a self-described 'libertarian socialist,' Jenkins takes some of the more extreme positions within the DSA, including calls for the abolition of police and prisons. He has taken credit for helping to implement Mamdani's campaign promise to create a Department of Community Safety, which the mayor says will eventually replace the NYPD's Strategic Response Group. When Jenkins is not participating in DSA meetings and protests, he is the founder of the Broken Box Mime Theater, where he writes and performs mime acts to 'a heart-thumping soundtrack' while wearing full mime makeup.

  • Jenkins was elected to the DSA's National Political Committee in 2025.
  • In March 2024, Jenkins participated in protests at New York City Hall, where he shouted for the creation of a 'Department of Mental Health and Hygiene' and a 'Department of Homeless Services'.
  • This week, Mayor Mamdani vowed to overrule Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch if she does not agree to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group, a key campaign promise.

The players

David Jenkins

A 40-year-old Flatbush native who was elected to the Democratic Socialists of America's National Political Committee in 2025, where he leads the implementation of the group's radical political agenda. Jenkins is also the founder of the Broken Box Mime Theater, where he writes and performs mime acts.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who was elected with the support of the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani has vowed to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group, a key campaign promise that Jenkins has taken credit for helping to implement.

Jessica Tisch

The current police commissioner of New York City, who Mamdani has threatened to overrule if she does not agree to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group.

Joe Borelli

The minority leader of the New York City Council, who criticized the DSA and its mime leader Jenkins.

Stuart Smith

An analyst for the Manhattan Institute who has studied the Democratic Socialists of America.

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What they’re saying

“Zohran's campaign is a genuinely incredible, historic success and honestly some of the easiest and best canvassing I've ever done. … I'm proud of members and friends who worked on his public safety plan, see all the echoes of work we'd done … the Department of Community Safety is an important step toward our abolitionist horizon, and where we need to start in NYC.”

— David Jenkins, DSA National Political Committee Member

“The first squeaks were sporadic, hidden, punctuating lies and evasion from the NYPD officials that were testifying. Eventually, when we were discovered, we erupted in a chorus of squeaks and chants as we were escorted from the chamber. It wasn't a revolution, but it was effective.”

— David Jenkins, DSA National Political Committee Member

“Where is the department of mental health and hygiene? Where is the department of homeless services?”

— David Jenkins, DSA National Political Committee Member

“I guess they've upgraded from the village idiot to the court jester.”

— Joe Borelli, New York City Council Minority Leader

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani is expected to make a decision on whether to overrule Police Commissioner Tisch and disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The revelation that one of the DSA's top leaders is a mime performer highlights the unconventional and often controversial nature of the socialist group's leadership. As the DSA continues to gain political power in New York City, the group's reliance on unorthodox tactics and figures like Jenkins raises questions about the party's priorities and decision-making processes.