Which 2028 Democratic Contenders Might Accept DSA Backing?
Several prominent Democrats eyeing 2028 presidential runs are signaling openness to support from the Democratic Socialists of America, reflecting the hard left's growing influence within the party.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland told reporters this weekend that whilst he is not actively pursuing an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America, he would not turn down the group’s backing either, according to Emily Hallas writing in Washington Examiner. His stance mirrors that of other likely 2028 contenders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who have all been careful not to alienate socialist voters following DSA victories in primary contests that caught the Democratic establishment off guard.
Van Hollen Defends Socialist Inclusion in Party Debates
During an NBC News interview, Van Hollen argued that Democrats fearful of internal debate are fundamentally misunderstanding voter sentiment. Voters don’t want to simply return to the pre-Trump status quo, the Maryland senator said, adding that Democratic voters want representatives who stand for something substantive.
Whilst Van Hollen acknowledged disagreeing with certain DSA positions, he firmly stated that socialists deserve a place within the Democratic Party debate. The senator’s comments reflect a broader reluctance among party figures to publicly reject far-left support, even when fundamental ideological differences exist.
Newsom Embraces “Big Tent” Approach, Courts Socialist Podcaster
Newsom has been particularly active in courting socialist support. The California governor publicly stated his willingness to appear on Hasan Piker’s podcast, aligning himself with one of the socialist movement’s most prominent voices. Piker has attracted controversy over allegations of antisemitic views, among other concerns, yet Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez remain among the few potential 2028 candidates willing to associate with him.
Speaking at an elementary school in Davis on 9 July, Newsom declared he would gladly campaign for socialist and progressive candidates, including Randy Villegas, to help Democrats reclaim congressional majorities. In an earlier livestream appearance with Jack Cocchiarella on YouTube, Newsom defended socialist inclusion as essential to maintaining a “big tent party” capable of winning back the House and Senate.
The California governor emphasised addition over subtraction, stating the Democratic Party must expand rather than contract if it hopes to regain majority control. He acknowledged that purity tests within the party will intensify but expressed enthusiasm for grassroots energy and vibrancy.
Ocasio-Cortez Positioned as DSA’s Inevitable Choice
Ocasio-Cortez, who helped fuel socialism’s resurgence in New York and across the country, has continued her alignment with the movement. In May, she endorsed DSA members David Orkin, Christian Celeste Tate, and Eon Huntley. The New York congresswoman has also refused to distance herself from controversial socialist state assembly members Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier.
During a June interview with MS Now, Ocasio-Cortez defended the pair as young, talented women elected against enormous odds and significant financial opposition, suggesting the party has lessons to learn from their success. She warned fellow Democrats against creating unnecessary antagonism by attempting to control or diminish these new voices.
Despite some caucus members wishing she held more radical positions on certain issues, Ocasio-Cortez remains the most likely recipient of a DSA endorsement should she pursue the 2028 nomination. Piker named her this year as his favoured candidate for the Democratic nomination. In recent interviews with Time magazine, DSA leaders described her potential endorsement as inevitable, with Jeremy Cohan, a veteran New York DSA organiser, praising her unique ability to combine Obama-style organising with Bernie Sanders-style politics.
Ashik Siddique, the DSA’s 38-year-old national co-chairman, characterised the current moment as the fruition of seeds planted years ago, reflecting socialist confidence in their growing influence over Democratic Party politics.
The willingness of multiple 2028 contenders to court socialist support represents a significant shift in Democratic Party strategy, as establishment figures calculate that rejecting far-left backing could prove more costly than embracing it.
With information from Washington Examiner
