A new platform from the Democratic Socialists of America is becoming a focus of Republican attacks as the party seeks to portray Democrats as extremists and communists ahead of November’s midterm elections. The platform, titled “Workers Deserve More,” does not necessarily match the agendas of candidates backed by or aligned with the group, but prominent Republicans have used it to criticize Democrats broadly.
Published earlier in July, the platform proposes drafting “a new constitution” and making substantial changes to the structure of the U.S. government. Those changes include abolishing the Senate, replacing the president and the Supreme Court with leaders selected by Congress, and allowing all permanent U.S. residents to vote. It also calls for publicly financing all elections and replacing the two-party system with a multiparty democracy.
A broader agenda draws Republican criticism
The platform also proposes public ownership of large corporations, expanded rights for immigrants, and ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions and deportations. The group says some elements could be pursued under the current system but that its broader vision would ultimately require “building a new society from the ground up.” DSA co-chair Megan Romer confirmed various parts of the agenda during a recent Fox News Channel appearance and acknowledged that proposals such as abolishing borders and prisons would be considered part of a long-term plan.
“The barbarians are inside the gate — and Democrats are WELCOMING them in,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X. “Communism is no longer a far fetched threat. It is here on our SHORES!”
The Republican National Committee highlighted the platform in a weekend post that several Republican lawmakers amplified. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wrote, “These people are insane,” while Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, wrote, “These ideas could be coming to your community sooner than you think.” The Wall Street Journal’s conservative-leaning editorial board called the agenda radical but cautioned Republicans against relying on communism attacks, saying those arguments would not resonate with younger generations.
Primary victories intensify the party dispute
The attacks come after progressive and DSA-backed candidates won several Democratic primaries. They defeated moderates in House races in New York and Colorado after campaigning amid voter anger at the party establishment and increased skepticism of the U.S. alliance with Israel. Democratic socialist candidates have also won mayoral elections in Washington, D.C., New York and Seattle. An upcoming Missouri primary between a DSA-backed former congresswoman and the moderate Democratic incumbent will further test the movement’s momentum.
Candidates do not uniformly embrace the DSA platform. In an upcoming Michigan Senate primary, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed has distanced himself from socialism, saying he believes in capitalism but that it needs to be regulated. Establishment Democrats, including former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison, have also criticized DSA candidates who challenge the party while seeking its nomination. In a June social media post, Harrison wrote: “if you hate the Democratic Party, then please don’t run for our nomination.”