Democratic socialists endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America have secured several primary victories in recent days. The wins include races in New York and Denver. These results are prompting discussions within the Democratic Party about its direction ahead of the midterms.
Candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America defeated incumbents in New York congressional primaries last week. Brad Lander won the Democratic nomination for New York's 10th Congressional District after defeating Dan Goldman.
In Denver, 29-year-old Melat Kiros unseated longtime Representative Diana DeGette in a primary this week. Kiros campaigned against corporate political action committee donations and U.S. military aid to Israel.
President Donald Trump described the candidates as communists. Democratic leaders have expressed concerns that the victories could complicate efforts to appeal to voters in competitive districts.
Brad Lander, a former DSA member who left the group after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, said voters want officials who fight for working people on housing and health care while rejecting money in politics.
