Samantha Kattan, a socialist tenant organizer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has filed to run for New York Assembly District 37 in western Queens, aiming to succeed Claire Valdez who plans to run for Congress. Kattan has launched a fundraising campaign and is considered a strong candidate for DSA endorsement, representing working-class communities in the district.
Diana Moreno, a DSA-backed candidate and supporter of Zohran Mamdani, was nominated by the Queens Democratic Party to succeed Mamdani in the upcoming special election for Assembly District 36, with strong backing from local leaders and the DSA, making her the likely winner in a district known for its socialist leanings.
Zohran Mamdani's likely victory in the New York mayoral race marks a significant milestone for American socialism, highlighting its transformation from a fringe movement to a major political force, with historical roots dating back to 1901 and recent successes like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The article discusses how the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has gained influence within the Democratic Party, exemplified by New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of DSA member Zohran Mamdani for mayor, signaling the DSA's shift from a fringe group to a significant political force akin to the Tea Party within the Democrats.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and NYC mayoral candidate, faces scrutiny over his ties to the DSA's progressive policies, which include defunding the police and supporting Palestinian resistance, amid criticism from opponent Andrew Cuomo who highlights these positions as potential liabilities in the upcoming election.
Zohran Mamdani's recent success in New York's mayoral primary is largely attributed to his ties with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which mobilized thousands of volunteers and energized the socialist movement. Despite challenges from mainstream Democrats and right-wing opposition, Mamdani's campaign exemplifies the growing influence of democratic socialism in US politics, with the DSA poised to support his policies and hold him accountable if elected.
Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign, initially seen as a long shot, has unexpectedly gained momentum, partly due to strategic support from the Democratic Socialists of America, despite doubts about his viability and concerns within the progressive community about his electability and party-building goals.
Over 330 anti-Israel protesters, including members of the Democratic Socialists of America, caused commuter chaos in NYC by swarming three bridges and the Holland Tunnel, leading to arrests. Demonstrators blocked traffic, chanted anti-police and anti-Israel slogans, and used zip ties and cement-filled tires to link themselves together. Mayor Eric Adams criticized the disruption, while actress Susan Sarandon voiced support for the protest. Commuters expressed frustration over the impact on their daily routines, and some protesters defended their actions as necessary to draw attention to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Sara Innamorato, a Democratic candidate for Allegheny County executive, has denounced the statements made by the national and local chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Innamorato called the statements "anti-Israel" and criticized them for ignoring the attacks on innocent Israelis. She expressed solidarity with the Jewish people and innocent civilians affected by the conflict, stating that Israel has the right to defend itself while minimizing civilian casualties. Innamorato, who was previously a member of the DSA, ended her membership in 2019. Other progressive politicians, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also distanced themselves from the DSA over disagreements on the conflict.
New York City's Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter is facing backlash after promoting a pro-Palestine rally in Times Square. While the DSA leadership clarified that they did not organize the event, several lawmakers with DSA ties are distancing themselves from the rally's messaging. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the "bigotry and callousness" expressed at the rally, emphasizing the need to reject both Hamas' attacks and the injustices faced by Palestinians. The DSA, known for its criticism of Israel, has faced criticism in the past for its stance. New York politicians from both parties, including Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, condemned the rally, and there may be political repercussions for elected officials endorsed by the DSA.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) faced criticism from other US Democrats for supporting a rally in New York City that expressed solidarity with the Palestinian "right to resist" following a Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians. New York democratic leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, condemned the protest, while the national chapter of DSA doubled down on their support. The American Jewish Committee and other leaders condemned DSA for celebrating the deadly attacks against Israel, calling it a deep rot of antisemitism. Progressive student groups, including those from the City University of New York, also backed the rally.
A pro-Hamas rally in Times Square, hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America, drew widespread condemnation as speakers praised the recent Hamas terror attack in Israel. The rally highlighted a split within the Democratic Party, with younger activists aligning with the Palestinian cause. The event symbolized fractures in a Democratic establishment that was once solidly behind Israel, but as Israel's government has moved rightward, the American left has embraced liberation struggles, including Palestinian statehood. The rally faced criticism for conflating Hamas with the entire Palestinian people and for mocking the murder of Israeli civilians. Progressive lawmakers, including Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Bowman, Tlaib, and Omar, who are part of the DSA, did not express concern, putting them in a bind as they want to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause without endorsing violence.
Pro-Palestinian protesters organized by the Democratic Socialists of America held demonstrations in New York City, blaming Israel for the recent Hamas terror attack. The protest, attended by around 1,000 people, marched through the city chanting slogans that some interpret as calling for the elimination of Israel. Counter-protesters supporting Israel also gathered, leading to confrontations and arrests by the police.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are facing criticism for hosting an "All Out for Palestine" rally in Times Square, with accusations that they are supporting the murder and kidnapping of Israelis by Hamas terrorists. Critics argue that the DSA's support for Palestine overlooks the violence and terror inflicted by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Fatah, who are intent on Israel's destruction. The DSA's association with progressive politicians like Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, Rashida Talib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jamaal Bowman has drawn further condemnation. Calls are being made for President Biden to take a stronger stance against Iran's support for terrorism and for Democrats to denounce representatives who provide aid and comfort to murderers and kidnappers.
State Representative Mike Connolly is leaving the Boston chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) after facing a motion to expel him from the group. The motion was filed by 16 DSA members who accused Connolly of breaking with DSA policies by supporting certain Democratic candidates and initiatives. Connolly initially fought against the expulsion but has now decided to drop his affiliation with the organization. This incident highlights the tension between maintaining ideological purity and growing political power on the far left.