A senior House Democrat has urged his party to push back against the growing socialist wing that's been gaining influence in recent years. Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., expressed his opposition to the ideas of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), likening the group to the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative faction on the rightmost flank of the House GOP.
Suozzi criticized the DSA's use of the word "democratic" in its name, suggesting that the group's ideology is predominantly socialist in nature. He warned that the Democratic Party should not allow the DSA to co-opt the term, stating, "You shouldn't be using the word democratic... that's us, that's not you."
The issue has become increasingly relevant as DSA-linked candidates have made significant inroads in primary elections across the country. Suozzi emphasized the need for Democrats to take the perception of a DSA takeover seriously, warning that it would embolden the party's socialist wing and lead to policies that are unpopular with Americans.
Suozzi, who is part of an ever-shrinking group of moderates on both sides of the aisle, is running for re-election in a district that was won by President Donald Trump in 2024. He has positioned himself as a strong advocate for bipartisan solutions and has co-founded the Problem Solvers Caucus to find common ground between Democrats and Republicans.
In the lead-up to the midterm elections, Suozzi has emphasized the importance of focusing on policy issues rather than Trump himself. He argued that Democrats should run on a platform of addressing concerns around rising grocery prices, fuel costs, and healthcare expenses, rather than making Trump a central campaign issue.
Republicans have argued that a Democrat-controlled House would allow the party's socialist wing to take control and push unpopular policies. Suozzi has countered by organizing a campaign called The Promise to America, which aims to identify and support candidates who reject socialism and promote mainstream values.
With Suozzi's seat seen as a key target for Republicans, the outcome of the election will have significant implications for Democrats' chances of taking back control of the House.
