Once considered a fringe ideology in American politics, socialism is increasingly shaping mainstream debates and campaigns in several major U.S. cities. From New York to Seattle, candidates openly identifying as democratic socialists are not only entering races — they’re emerging as serious contenders.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and current frontrunner in the city’s mayoral race, has become a lightning rod for both enthusiasm and criticism. A vocal advocate for the “Free Palestine” movement, Mamdani drew attention recently for his delayed response to President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire deal. When he did issue a statement, Mamdani avoided crediting the president, instead emphasizing solidarity with Palestinian activists.
Mamdani’s chief political backer — the Democratic Socialists of America — denounced the ceasefire agreement, calling it insufficient.
Still, Mamdani’s grassroots appeal has energized left-wing voters nationwide frustrated by traditional party leadership.
“We are an existential threat to billionaires who think their money can buy our democracy,” Mamdani said during a recent rally.
His populist message has resonated beyond New York and Mamdani is embracing it.
“Our movement is a movement where we know exactly who and what we are fighting for. We are not afraid of our own ideas,” he said at the rally. “For too long we have tried not to lose. Now it is time that we win.”
In Seattle, Katie Wilson, another self-described socialist, is among the top contenders in that city’s mayoral race. Wilson has focused on tackling housing affordability and has proposed progressive measures such as city-run grocery stores — an idea she notes is already being tested in cities like Atlanta and St. Paul.
“Families like mine are moving out because they can’t afford to live here,” Wilson said. “This is not some kind of off-the-wall idea.”
Omar Fateh, a self-described Democratic socialist, was a top candidate for Minneapolis mayor. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party even endorsed him but subsequently had to revoke the endorsement over voting system issues.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., announced recently that she is endorsing the Minnesota state senator in the Minneapolis mayoral race.
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, democratic socialists like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York continue to wield growing influence. Sources on Capitol Hill say Ocasio-Cortez has been pressuring Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to hold firm against Republican demands in ongoing negotiations over government funding.
“This is one of the dirtiest tricks being pulled on the American people right now,” Ocasio-Cortez said in criticizing GOP proposals.
Her increasing clout within the Democratic Party has even fueled speculation she could challenge Schumer for his Senate seat in 2028 — a sign of just how far socialism’s reach has extended within certain Democratic circles.
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