Socialist candidates could see gains in midterm elections

There are eight congressional districts where DSA-backed or self-identified socialist candidates have a strong chance of victory on November 3rd. Success in these races would substantially increase the number of socialist-leaning Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

DSA-supported candidates are also considered frontrunners in three mayoral contests and have a competitive opportunity in two Senate races.

**House Races**

Mai Vang, a Sacramento councilmember, is challenging incumbent Doris Matsui in California’s 7th Congressional District. Hasan Piker recently campaigned in support of Vang’s effort to unseat the 10-term congresswoman.

Angela Gonzales-Torres, endorsed by the Los Angeles DSA and DSA National, is competing against incumbent Jimmy Gomez in California’s 34th congressional district following a primary election.

Melat Kiros, a Gen Z socialist, defeated 15-term Democratic Representative Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.

William Lawrence is running against Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in a Michigan district that narrowly swung between President Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020. Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, was previously a member of the DSA.

Donovan McKinney secured victory over two-term Representative Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic primary and is heavily favored to win the general election.

Claire Valdez easily won the primary in June for New York’s 7th Congressional District and is expected to win the general election in the reliably blue district. She has pledged to advocate for nationwide rent control if elected.

Darializa Avila Chevalier is widely expected to win in New York’s 10th Congressional District, representing Harlem. She participated in an anti-Israel rally following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack.

Chris Rabb, a self-described Democratic socialist, defeated his rivals in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary and is virtually guaranteed a seat in Congress due to the absence of a Republican challenger.

**Senate Races**

Abdul El-Sayed, running against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, claims to be a capitalist, though the DSA’s Detroit chapter previously referred to him as a “comrade.” He supports policies such as a single-payer healthcare system and expanding the Supreme Court.

Angie Nixon, a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is challenging incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida’s special Senate election. She advanced from the primary and faces an uphill battle to unseat the incumbent, who leads by approximately 6 percentage points according to October polls.

**Mayoral Races**

Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles city councilmember, is competing against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for control of Los Angeles City Hall. Raman’s campaign has received support from the DSA’s Los Angeles chapter.

Janeese Lewis George, a Washington, DC, councilmember, is poised to replace outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser in the nation’s capital. Lewis George is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and sought the endorsement of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during her primary race, which she won with 54% of the vote.

David Morales, a 27-year-old Rhode Island state lawmaker and DSA member, made history by defeating an incumbent mayor in Providence’s primary election. His campaign focused on supporting Providence’s sanctuary city laws and addressing housing issues, including rent control.