Democratic Socialists of America Secures $5.2 Million Inheritance Dispute

The Democratic Socialists of America has been granted $5.2 million after a probate battle over the will of late New York University sociology professor David Greenberg, who died in July 2024. Greenberg’s testament directed his NYU retirement fund to the New American Movement or any successor, a group that merged into the DSA in 1982. His nephew, Martin Hecht, contended the DSA did not file the required paperwork to be recognized as that successor and accused NYU of neglecting its fiduciary responsibilities.

The presiding judge rejected Hecht’s claims, awarding the majority of the assets to the DSA, while a $1.3 million portion was transferred to Greenberg’s estate without contest. The influx of cash, equivalent to nearly a full year of the organization’s revenue, comes as DSA-aligned candidates such as Zohran Mamdani, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier secure victories in recent primaries. The group has not disclosed how the funds will be used, but past spending patterns suggest a focus on advertising, chapter support, and voter mobilization. The DSA and Hecht’s attorneys declined to comment when approached for comment.