NYC Mayor-Elect’s Win Inspires DSA Campaigns in Los Angeles

The victory of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is galvanizing Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) organizers in Los Angeles, fueling campaigns for upcoming local elections and bolstering ambitions for a socialist majority on the City Council.

Yesterday, approximately 2,500 miles from Mamdani’s election night celebration, a crowd of over 2,500 DSA members and supporters gathered at the Greyhound Bar & Grill in Los Angeles, echoing the applause lines from his victory speech. The focus on issues like affordable transportation – Mamdani’s pledge to make buses fast and free – resonated strongly with the group. This surge in momentum comes as Los Angeles faces a growing affordability crisis, impacting housing, groceries, and childcare.

City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, elected in 2022 with DSA support, emphasized the shared concerns between the two cities. “What New York City is saying is that the rent is too damn high, that affordability is a huge issue not just on housing, but when it comes to grocery shopping, when it comes to daycare,” she said. DSA-LA has already elected four members to the council since 2020, and is aiming for two more seats in the June election. The organization’s success hinges on grassroots organizing, particularly among renters and lower-income households, a strategy detailed in their organizational principles. The DSA’s growing influence in local politics reflects a broader national trend of progressive movements gaining traction.

While Mayor Karen Bass is seeking a second term, DSA organizers are also focusing on down-ballot races, believing that City Council seats offer the most direct path to enacting their policies. “We would like a socialist City Council majority,” said Benina Stern, co-chair of DSA’s Los Angeles chapter. “Because clearly that is the logical progression, to keep growing the bloc.” However, challenges remain, including opposition from business groups like the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, who argue DSA-backed policies are detrimental to the city’s economic growth.

Organizers plan to continue canvassing and recruiting volunteers in the coming months, with the goal of expanding their presence on the City Council and pushing for policies that prioritize the needs of working-class Angelenos.