Megan Romer, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), asserted Monday that the organization's members constitute the Democratic Party's base. In an interview on NewsNation's "Cuomo," Romer responded to host Chris Cuomo's characterization of the DSA as the party's energizing force, agreeing that the voters are the party's foundation.
Romer's comments come as progressive Abdul El-Sayed faces moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. El-Sayed has drawn criticism from the left for his support of Israel, highlighting the party's internal divisions. The race is one of several tests of the left's influence in the midterms.
Cuomo pressed Romer on what it means for candidates to embrace the socialist label. She argued that many Americans feel capitalism is failing them, citing stagnant wages, rising costs, and corporate profiteering. "Everybody sees it, everybody's hurting," she said.
Romer noted that DSA-affiliated candidates run on their own platforms, as the organization is not an official party. She attributed their appeal to voters' curiosity about rethinking "systems that are failing them."
Recent primary victories by democratic socialists have intensified the debate over the party's "big tent." The movement, often traced to Bernie Sanders's presidential runs, has seen successes like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's congressional win and Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory in New York City.
A CNN/SSRS poll released last week found that one-third of Democrats identify as democratic socialists, with many backing substantial changes to the party's leadership and direction. Among registered voters, 66% of democratic socialists said they are extremely motivated to vote, compared with 57% of other Democrats.
The rise of far-left candidates has widened the rift between the establishment and progressive wings. Republicans, including President Trump, have criticized DSA candidates as supporting communism.
As Michigan's primaries expose Democratic fault lines, the outcome could signal the party's direction. Democrats see midterm opportunity, but internal divisions loom, and the DSA's role remains a flashpoint.
