The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) released a memo this week highlighting a growing presence of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates on state legislative ballots across the country. According to the memo, at least 65 DSA‑aligned candidates have advanced to the general election in November, covering 24 states.
RSLC’s warning about a long‑term strategy
The memo argues that the surge in state‑level races is part of a broader plan to build political power from the bottom up. “The statehouse trend is also relevant because several prominent DSA‑aligned Congressional candidates in 2026 have emerged from state and local political organizing,” the document reads. It adds that victories at the state level can provide candidates with “political experience and organizational networks” that later support campaigns for Congress.
Policy positions that raise concerns among conservatives
RSLC analysts note that many of the identified candidates advocate for policies such as defunding or abolishing police departments, extensive economic reforms, and race‑based reparations. Examples include New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, who calls for ending policing and incarceration, and Wisconsin State Rep. Ryan Clancy, who has described American policing as “epically racist and classist.”
Other candidates, such as New Mexico State Rep. Eleanor Chávez, have labeled Immigration and Customs Enforcement “fascist” and compared its agents to the KKK, prompting local Republican officials to condemn the rhetoric as potentially inciting violence against law enforcement.
Economic and infrastructure proposals
DSA‑backed lawmakers are also pushing bold economic measures. New York Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha, running for re‑election with DSA support, has introduced legislation to allow the state to acquire the privately held Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., citing a feasibility study that claims the takeover would lower consumer costs. A similar proposal is being championed by DSA‑backed candidate Dylan Wegela in Michigan.
Shrestha argues that a majority of her constituents believe the energy sector should not be for profit, that healthcare should be single‑payer and universal, and that the government should play a positive role in building affordable housing and public transit.
Reactions from the Democratic Party
While some Democratic leaders dismiss the GOP’s framing as a partisan tactic, the memo points to internal party dynamics that suggest a shift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently backed a more moderate opponent in a Michigan Democratic Senate primary, yet a super PAC aligned with Schumer has poured millions into the campaign of progressive candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, who denies being a socialist.
Analyses from the Brookings Institution estimate that DSA‑aligned candidates represent only a small fraction of total state legislative seats, but the RSLC maintains that the movement’s growth could have “dangerous impacts for state policy in the short‑term” and reflects a coordinated long‑term effort.
Public opinion on the DSA
A Fox News poll from September found that 55 % of registered voters hold an unfavorable view of the DSA, underscoring the partisan divide over the organization’s influence.
All state legislative candidates mentioned were contacted for comment, but none responded by the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
