Democratic Socialists Score Mayoral Wins in Los Angeles and Other Cities
At least four members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have won mayor’s races in major U.S. cities, marking a significant moment for the progressive left. On Tuesday, two socialist mayors were elected in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., signaling a growing appetite for democratic socialist candidates in some of the nation’s largest municipalities. These victories come amid a broader election cycle where Democrats performed well overall, but progressive candidates did not necessarily outperform moderate or mainstream Democrats, according to Christian Grose, a political science professor and director of the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab. “Democrats, in general, won many seats this election cycle, but across the country, progressive candidates did not win at any greater rate than moderate or mainstream Democrats,” Grose said.nnIn Los Angeles, the win by Raman, a DSA member, is particularly notable. Raman broke into politics in 2020 by unseating an establishment Democrat on LA’s powerful city council. Her key issues are housing policy, homelessness, and tenants’ rights. Interestingly, the local DSA chapter did not endorse Raman during the primary, when she entered the race at the last minute after previously endorsing Bass. Raman touts her political independence—including her willingness to vote against her allies on key policy issues—as the heart of her political identity. Her victory comes as incumbent Mayor Bass took a major political hit due to fallout stemming from her handling of last year’s deadly Palisades fire. Meanwhile, Gomez, another DSA-backed candidate, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.nnThe wins in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are part of a larger trend of democratic socialists leading or preparing to lead major U.S. cities. These victories highlight the growing influence of the DSA within the Democratic Party and the broader progressive movement. While the DSA’s success in mayoral races is notable, it remains to be seen whether this translates into broader electoral gains for progressive candidates nationwide. As Grose’s analysis suggests, the progressive wave may be more localized than national, with candidates winning on specific local issues and personal appeal rather than a sweeping ideological shift.nnHere’s a look at the democratic socialists leading, or preparing to lead, major U.S
Shimanta Das 
