Prominent Republicans have launched a coordinated attack against Democrats using the new Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform, following a string of progressive primary victories in New York and Colorado ahead of the midterm elections.
The GOP effort comes after DSA candidates secured significant wins in mayoral and congressional primaries, including Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory in New York City and primary triumphs by Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, and Claire Valdez.
DSA Platform Sparks GOP Criticism
Published earlier this month, the DSA's "Workers Deserve More" platform proposes structural government changes, including replacing the president and Supreme Court with leaders chosen by Congress, abolishing the Senate, and allowing all permanent residents to vote.
The vision also calls for publicly financed elections, multi-party democracy, and ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions.
Republican leaders quickly seized on the platform to frame the broader Democratic Party as extreme.
"The barbarians are inside the gate — and Democrats are WELCOMING them in," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
"Communism is no longer a far fetched threat. It is here on our SHORES!"
Other GOP officials echoed the warning across social media after a Republican National Committee post highlighted the document.
"These people are insane," said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
House leaders also urged voters to pay close attention to the progressive movement's proposals.
"Watch this clip closely," said Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican.
"These ideas could be coming to your community sooner than you think."
Internal Democratic Debate
The political pushback coincides with internal debates among Democrats.
Former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison pushed back against DSA candidates running on the Democratic line while criticizing party leadership.
"I say this with no ill will or animosity: if you hate the Democratic Party, then please don't run for our nomination," Harrison said.
"Don't use our resources. Don't rely on our volunteers.
Don't use our infrastructure. Don't ask Democrats to invest their time, money, and energy in your campaign.
Focus on building the party you actually support."
Recent polling indicates that the DSA currently holds a higher approval rating among Democratic voters than the Democratic Party itself, driving discussions within the organization regarding future presidential campaigns and expanding infrastructure as membership approaches 200,000.
