Democratic Socialists of America Push for Historic Gains in Los Angeles Elections

In a bold move to reshape Los Angeles’ political landscape, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is backing candidates for city attorney and four City Council seats in the June 2 primary. The group’s goal: to advance progressive policies on homelessness, rent control and public safety—and to elect a socialist city attorney to enforce them. With four current council members already elected with DSA support, the organization is positioning itself to potentially hold six seats after the general election in November.

— ### Why This Election Matters: The DSA’s Vision for L.A. The DSA’s strategy centers on two key objectives: 1. Electing a socialist city attorney to strengthen enforcement of existing progressive policies. 2. Expanding its council majority to push for broader systemic changes, including stricter rent controls, higher wages for service workers, and alternatives to police-led crisis response. As Sean Wakasa, a UC Riverside graduate student and DSA’s local co-chair, explained: > *“The vision is to really imagine and try to think about the concrete steps needed to make a city that works for working-class Angelenos.”* The city attorney’s office is a particular focus. DSA is endorsing Marissa Roy, a deputy state attorney general, to challenge incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto. Wakasa emphasized the importance of having a socialist in the role to *“enforce the existing progressive policies we already have.”* — ### Opposition and Criticism: Business Groups and Moderates Push Back While DSA celebrates its growing influence, critics—particularly business leaders—warn of unintended consequences. Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, argued that DSA-backed policies have made L.A. *“worse”* in recent years, citing rising costs, unchecked homelessness, and stalled construction. > *“Most DSA elected officials are unwilling to meet with the opposition,”* Waldman said. *“They believe what they believe. They’re not going to change.”* This rigidity, critics argue, hinders compromise—a necessity in a city where even moderate Democrats often oppose DSA’s more radical proposals. For example, while DSA-backed council members successfully capped rent increases at 4% annually for stabilized properties and raised wages for airport/hotel workers to $30/hour, they’ve struggled to limit anti-encampment zones or block police budget increases. — ### DSA’s Track Record: Wins and Setbacks Since gaining its first council seats in 2022, DSA-backed officials have: ✅ Passed rent stabilization measures (4% annual cap for stabilized units). ✅ Expanded unarmed crisis response programs, replacing police with mental health professionals in some emergencies. ✅ Pushed for higher wages in key industries (e.g., $30/hour minimum for airport/hotel workers). However, their ambitions often stall without broader Democratic support. Leslie Chang, DSA co-chair, acknowledged this but framed their strategy as a long-term play: > *“If DSA candidates win, we expect the city attorney’s office to go after landlords violating rent ordinances—and for council members to oppose LAPD wage increases while maintaining worker pay hikes.”* — ### The Broader Context: A National Trend of Political Polarization DSA’s rise in L.A. Reflects a national shift toward ideological consolidation in urban politics. Kamy Akhavan, managing director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, noted: > *“Red cities are getting redder, and blue cities like L.A. Are getting bluer—especially in states with one-party supermajorities. Without conservatives to force compromise, contrasting ideas must come from somewhere else.”* This dynamic has intensified in California, where progressive movements now dominate city halls while Republicans hold near-total control of the state legislature. — ### Key Takeaways: What’s at Stake in June’s Election? 1. City Attorney Race: The DSA’s endorsement of Marissa Roy against incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto could signal a shift in how L.A. Enforces progressive policies. 2. Council Seats: If DSA wins all endorsed races, it could secure six seats—giving it unprecedented influence over city budgets, policing, and housing. 3. Policy Battles: Expect clashes over rent control enforcement, police budgets, and homelessness solutions, with DSA pushing for stricter regulations and alternatives to policing. 4. National Ambitions: DSA’s success in L.A. Could inspire similar campaigns in other major cities, expanding its reach beyond local elections. — ### FAQ: What You Need to Know About L.A.’s DSA Push

— ### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for L.A. And the DSA? The June 2 primary will be a litmus test for DSA’s ambitions. If they win key races, L.A. Could see: – Stricter enforcement of rent control laws, targeting landlord violations. – More funding for homelessness services and fewer police-led sweeps. – A shift in power dynamics at City Hall, with DSA pushing for bolder reforms. Yet, as Maria “Lou” Calanche, a progressive challenger to DSA-backed councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, warned: > *“They are becoming a political machine. Everything they oppose, they’re becoming.”* Whether that machine can govern—or if it will face backlash—remains to be seen. —

This article is based on verified sources and updated as of May 20, 2026. For real-time election results and policy developments, follow Los Angeles City Government and Democratic Socialists of America.