Inside the DSA Convention, Where Socialists Declared Dominance Over Dems and Set Their Sights on 2028. 'We can win the Democratic primary in 2028,' one convention delegate says
CHICAGO — WASHINGTON FREE BEACON -- The Democratic Socialists of America sent a clear message to Democrats during its biennial convention: We're in charge now. Zohran Mamdani's surprise win wasn't an anomaly, delegates said, but rather the start of the DSA's rise to power over the Democratic Party.
Roughly 1,200 DSA members gathered over the weekend at McCormick Place, Chicago's convention center, to solidify the party's platform. Tickets for the three-day convention, attended by the Washington Free Beacon, cost $225 and required party membership. Attendees were also required to submit proof of a negative COVID test prior to arrival.
A convention live-stream was exclusive to registered DSA members. In-person attendees, primarily delegates elected by their local DSA chapters and a few observers, were requested to keep the convention center's location confidential. Only delegates could deliver two-minute speeches supporting or opposing resolutions, which required a two-thirds majority to pass. Most speakers identified themselves only by their first name, last initial, and home chapter.