DSA members debate backing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for a presidential bid
At a Chicago gathering, Democratic Socialists of America members discussed the possibility of supporting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for president, while questioning her alignment with the group.
Around 500 card-holding members of the Democratic Socialists of America assembled in Chicago, showcasing caucuses like Marxist Unity Group, Red Star, Bread and Roses, and the Commie Caucus. An off-shoot group organized a “DSA for AOC” rally to promote Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a potential presidential contender, though several attendees argued she may have drifted too far from the organization’s core. Ocasio-Cortez was absent and has not filed any candidacy paperwork.
Katie Sims, the DSA’s national electoral chair, emphasized that merely proposing a candidate is insufficient without broad member support. The discussion also revived internal disputes over whether her prior pro-Israel positions should disqualify her. The DSA, buoyed by recent electoral successes including Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 win, remains divided on the strategic direction and platform priorities.
Why it matters
The debate shows how a growing socialist movement is weighing its influence on future presidential politics.
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