Chicago – The local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) announced last month that it will endorse six candidates running in the upcoming February 23 aldermanic election. The endorsements were made after a membership vote that required a two‑thirds majority, according to co‑chair Sean Duffy.
Endorsed candidates and the group’s priorities
The six endorsed candidates include two newcomers and four incumbents who share the DSA’s focus on working‑class issues. Duffy said the slate reflects a “shared vision” of prioritizing workers over corporations and billionaires, especially as the city confronts fiscal challenges. He warned that the next mayor and council will decide whether to address those challenges by taxing the wealthy or by imposing austerity measures that hurt working families.
Why two longtime allies were left out
South Side Alderman Jeanette Taylor (20th Ward) and Wicker Park‑Logan Square Alderman Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) were not endorsed. Taylor publicly called the DSA “anti‑Black,” a charge she repeated in recent interviews. La Spata declined to label himself an “anti‑Zionist,” a stance the DSA required for endorsement, according to WTTW News.
Both aldermen have previously worked closely with the DSA, but the organization said they failed to secure the necessary votes from members. Duffy noted the group remains open to future collaboration and could reconsider endorsements later in the year.
Membership growth and national context
Chicago DSA has added roughly 1,000 new members over the past year, bringing its local roster to about 3,200. Nationally, DSA membership surpassed 120,000 in July, reflecting a broader surge after high‑profile victories such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election.
Former alderman Carlos Ramirez‑Rosa was the first Chicago council member to join the DSA, and the organization helped elect six DSA‑backed aldermen in 2023. Those council members have generally supported Mayor Brandon Johnson’s agenda, including the Protecting Renters Ordinance.
Campaign resources and fundraising
Beyond public endorsements, DSA members pledge to canvass, make phone calls, and contribute financially. In 2023 the DSA’s political action committee (PAC) gave modest contributions—typically a few thousand dollars—to endorsed campaigns. The PAC’s largest single donation was nearly $20,000 to Alderman Angela Clay (46th Ward) after she entered a runoff election.
Compared with the Chicago Teachers Union, which has donated tens of thousands of dollars to individual aldermanic races, DSA’s financial impact remains relatively small. Nonetheless, the group argues that its grassroots organizing can translate into “people power” on the ground.
Looking ahead to 2027
Duffy said the Chicago DSA will continue to evaluate how best to support candidates, especially in predominantly Black wards such as the 3rd Ward, where they recently endorsed Raheem Uqdah. He emphasized the importance of building relationships in Black communities and expanding door‑to‑door outreach.
While internal criticism from figures like Taylor and La Spata highlights challenges, Duffy remains optimistic that the DSA can grow its influence and help shape a council that prioritizes working families over corporate interests.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
