At least five Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed candidates won House races, Associated Press race calls show, giving the group a foothold that could matter if Democrats regain the chamber by a narrow margin.
The winners identified in NPR’s report are Michigan’s Donavan McKinney, Pennsylvania’s Chris Rabb, Colorado’s Melat Kiros and New Yorkers Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez. NPR described their districts as reliably Democratic. The victories were part of the midterm vote that put control of Congress at stake.
NPR reported that the election produced a record number of DSA-endorsed House winners. The organization has two sitting House members, Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Its House membership is on course to more than triple when the new Congress convenes in January, NPR said.
Several of the candidates reached the general election after primary upsets. NPR reported that Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette, a 15-term incumbent, in Colorado’s 1st District in July. Days earlier, Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly beat Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th District.
NPR said the campaigns promoted economic-populist proposals such as universal health care and child care; some also backed abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The outlet reported that DSA candidates rejected donations from corporate donors and pro-Israel lobbying groups and urged an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel.
Republicans used DSA positions to argue that Democrats overall had moved too far left, NPR reported. The outlet said GOP messaging linked more moderate candidates to democratic socialist politicians including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez.
A House speaker vote could show how much influence the newcomers can exercise. If Democrats take control, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is positioned to become the first Black speaker, NPR reported. The outlet said Jeffries has not secured a pledge from any of the incoming lawmakers endorsed by DSA. A slim Democratic majority could give the group more sway, while a larger majority could limit its influence, NPR said.
