Rising Democratic Socialists Offer Unions a Strategic Opening

Democratic Socialists of America have moved from fringe status to winning high-profile races, exemplified by Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory in New York City. Large unions such as 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council initially backed the establishment candidate Andrew Cuomo, while smaller left-leaning unions like UAW Region 9A endorsed Mamdani early on. After the socialist candidates demonstrated electoral viability, the major unions reluctantly shifted their endorsements, a pattern repeated in recent congressional primaries where DSA candidates like Claire Valdez won without union backing.

The piece contends that this hesitation reflects a broader conservatism within organized labor, costing them a first-mover advantage as DSA lawmakers seek policies such as federal funding for union organizing. It urges union leaders to seize the momentum and partner with the left to revitalize both the labor movement and the Democratic Party.