WASHINGTON, D.C. – A string of Democratic Socialists in New York City and Colorado have secured their party’s nominations for the November elections. While there is a slight increase in democratic socialists fighting for a spot in congress, these candidates were also nominated in deep blue districts with a young and urban population.
In Colorado’s primaries this week, there was a huge upset in a Denver US House district where 29-year old Melat Kiros ousted a Representative who has held that seat since ‘97. In New York’s primaries, two Democratic Socialists won their party’s nomination in New York City. Many of these candidates have campaigned on things like higher taxes for wealthy Americans, their opposition to US support for Israel and Medicare For All, just to name a few.
Dr. Todd Belt, a George Washington University professor and director of the political management program, said there are some within the Democratic party who think we could see an increase in Democratic Socialist candidates later down the road but adds what these candidates campaigned on in one district might not work for Democrats in another district.
“These Democratic Socialist victories in places like New York and Denver are in extremely deep blue urban areas with very young populations who are looking for change,” said Dr. Belt. “They’re not looking for a change from one party to another but another change within the Democratic party. Not just in terms of policy, but also in terms of age. They want the old guard to be replaced.”
Dr. Belt adds President Trump and Republicans sense an opportunity here with these recent wins by Democratic Socialists. They think these candidates are far out of the mainstream and could use their victories to scare people in other districts that might be very close.
