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Democratic Socialists of America
| Democratic Socialists of America | |
 | |
| Basic facts | |
| Location: | New York, NY |
| Type: | National Political Committee, 501 (c)(3), 501(c)(4) |
| Top official: | Ashik Siddique and Megan Romer, National Co-Chairs |
| Founder(s): | Michael Harrington |
| Year founded: | 1982 |
| Website: | Official website |
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States.[1] As of August 2025, the DSA website described itself as "activists committed to democracy as not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives. We call this vision democratic socialism — a vision of a more free, democratic and humane society."[1]
Background
DSA was founded in 1982 by the unification of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee (DSOC), founded in 1973 by Michael Harrington, and the New American Movement, founded in 1971.[2]
The DSOC was formed after Harrington resigned as National Co-Chairman of the Socialist Party of America (SPA)[3] Harrington advocated for immediate withdrawal from the Vietnam War, while the majority of the party, who became the Social Democrats USA (SDUSA), advocated U.S. presence as support for anti-communists and labor organizations in the country.[4] Harrington also criticized the SDUSA for what he called "obsessive anti-communism," and supported dealing with the Soviet Union in a diplomatic manner.[5]
Leadership
As of August 2025, the following individuals served on the DSA national political committee:[6]
- Ashik Siddique, National Co-Chair
- Megan Romer, National Co-Chair
- John Lewis, Treasurer
- Carlos Callejo III, YDSA Co-Chair
- Aron Ali-McClory, YDSA Co-Chair
- Ahmed Husain
- Alex Pellitteri
- Amy Wilhelm
- Cara Tobe
- Colleen Johnston
- Frances Gill
- Kareem Elrefai
- Kristin Schall
- Laura Wadlin
- Luisa M.
- Rashad X, Secretary
- Renée Paradis
- Sam Heft-Luthy
Work and activities
Electoral activities and influence
Bernie Sanders presidential campaign (2016)
The DSA made a "decision in late 2014 to make its number one priority the movement to support Bernie Sanders running for president" in the 2016 election, according to the DSA website, and saw its membership increase from 6,500 to 8,500 by election day. In the eight months following the election, an additional 13,000 people joined the organization.[2]
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this organization made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.
Finances
The following is a breakdown of DSA's revenues and expenses from 2010 to 2023. The information comes from ProPublica
| Year | Revenue | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $0.34 million | $0.22 million |
| 2011 | $0.26 million | $0.29 million |
| 2012 | $0.27 million | $0.29 million |
| 2013 | $0.29 million | $0.32 million |
| 2014 | $0.30 million | $0.31 million |
| 2015 | $0.49 million | $0.42 million |
| 2016 | $0.86 million | $0.48 million |
| 2017 | $2.1 million | $1.6 million |
| 2018 | $2.8 million | $1.7 million |
| 2019 | $3.0 million | $3.6 million |
| 2020 | $6.0 million | $4.2 million |
| 2021 | $6.9 million | $5.6 million |
| 2022 | $5.7 million | $5.7 million |
| 2023 | $6.1 million | $7.1 million |
See also
External links
- Democratic Socialists of America official website
- Democratic Socialists of America on Facebook
- Democratic Socialists of America on X
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Democratic Socialists of America, "About Us," accessed August 6, 2025
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Democratic Socialists of America, "History," accessed August 6, 2025
- ↑ Washington Post, "The Coming Out of US Socialists," March 25, 1979
- ↑ SDUSA, "Our Heritage," accessed July 24, 2018
- ↑ The Progressive Populist," "Socialists See an Opening for Change," accessed July 24, 2018
- ↑ Democratic Socialists of America, "Structure," accessed August 6, 2025
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