The Democratic Socialists of America have been awarded $5.2 million in an inheritance dispute, according to a new legal filing. This award is a significant financial boost for the organization as it seeks to expand its influence within the Democratic Party.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute centered around the will of New York University professor David Greenberg, who died in July 2024. Greenberg had stipulated in his will that the contents of his New York University retirement account should be transferred to the New American Movement, a now-defunct left-wing activist group, or “any successor thereof” upon his death.
The New American Movement merged with the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee to form the Democratic Socialists of America in 1982. Greenberg, a sociology professor, was involved with left-wing movements throughout his life.
Legal Challenge
Martin Hecht, Greenberg’s nephew, contested the Democratic Socialists of America’s claim to the inheritance, arguing that the organization had not filed the proper paperwork to be considered the legal successor. Hecht also claimed that New York University failed to fulfill its fiduciary duty to Greenberg by not ensuring his will accurately reflected his wishes before his death.
The judge presiding over the case ultimately sided with the Democratic Socialists of America, awarding them the $5.2 million. This decision was made after Hecht initiated his lawsuit in April 2025.
Implications of the Award
The $5.2 million award constitutes the majority of Greenberg’s wealth, with a separate account worth $1.3 million being transferred to his estate without dispute. This influx of funds comes at an opportune time for the Democratic Socialists of America, as the organization has seen recent victories in elections and is looking to expand its influence.
Candidates affiliated with or backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have enjoyed a string of victories in recent months, including the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor in 2025 and primary wins by candidates such as Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York’s congressional primaries.
The Democratic Socialists of America’s past spending behavior may provide clues about how the organization will use its newfound wealth. The organization regularly spends on advertisements to support its candidates and has distributed cash to its local chapters and aligned groups while also spending on community mobilization and messaging campaigns.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
