Progressive victories in Colorado, including 29-year-old Melat Kiros’ stunning upset of 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette, are drawing new attention to democratic socialism and a movement that has steadily expanded its influence within the Democratic Party.

The wins follow a series of victories in New York by candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, while fellow progressive Brad Lander also won his Democratic primary, highlighting the growing influence of the party’s left flank.

The victories have renewed interest in democratic socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA, the nation’s largest democratic socialist organization. The group grew rapidly following the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

While the movement has historically found success in deep-blue districts, recent wins in New York and Colorado suggest its influence may be expanding beyond a handful of urban strongholds, even as questions remain about its appeal in competitive statewide and general elections.

Here is what to know about the movement.

What is democratic socialism?

Democratic socialism is a political ideology that seeks to reduce economic inequality by expanding the role of government in providing public services while maintaining a democratic system and a largely market-based economy. 

“We are activists committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives,” the DSA’s mission statement says on its official website, which notes that the movement represents “a more free, democratic and humane society.”

Unlike traditional socialism, democratic socialists generally do not call for government ownership of all businesses. Instead, they argue that essential services such as healthcare, housing and education should be more accessible through public investment and stronger regulation of private markets.

Most democratic socialists in the United States run as Democrats rather than through a separate political party, making the movement a faction within the Democratic coalition rather than its own ballot line.

DSA is the country’s largest organization associated with the movement and the group now claims to have more than 100,000 members nationwide.

What policies do democratic socialists support?

While platforms differ from candidate to candidate, several proposals have become closely associated with democratic socialists.

One of the movement’s signature messages is “tax the rich.” That often includes higher taxes on corporations and high-income earners, including millionaire taxes. Some candidates also support a wealth tax to help fund expanded government services.

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Healthcare is another defining issue. Many democratic socialists back Medicare for All, a single-payer healthcare system that would replace or significantly reduce the role of private insurance with universal government-funded coverage.

Labor proposals also distinguish the movement. Democratic socialists have championed a 32-hour workweek with no reduction in pay, arguing productivity gains should benefit workers rather than employers.

Housing affordability has become one of the movement’s top priorities. Candidates frequently advocate stronger tenant protections, expanded affordable housing construction and forms of universal rent control aimed at limiting rent increases.

The movement also opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, supports an arms embargo and backs the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, arguing that American military assistance enables Israel’s actions against Palestinians. The organization has also called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. support for Israeli military operations.

Other proposals include free childcare, tuition-free public college, paid family leave, higher minimum wages and stronger labor union protections.

Can the movement expand beyond deep-blue districts?

A looming question the movement faces is whether or not it can expand beyond deep-blue districts.

Democratic socialists have found their greatest success in cities and congressional districts where Democratic primaries effectively decide elections. Their candidates have increasingly defeated establishment incumbents, but they still represent a relatively small share of the Democratic caucus nationally.

Supporters argue the movement’s emphasis on affordability, universal healthcare and reducing wealth inequality resonates with voters struggling with high housing costs and inflation. But some critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say proposals remain difficult to sell in competitive races.

Still, the recent success of progressive candidates suggests democratic socialism is no longer a fringe movement within the Democratic Party. Whether advocating to tax the rich, enact universal childcare, pursue a shortened workweek or expand universal healthcare, democratic socialists have become an increasingly influential faction within the party — on that establishment Democrats can no longer easily dismiss.

Ebony Davis

Ebony Davis is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked at CNN as a campaign reporter covering elections and politics.