Portside

Mamdani’s campaign may have accomplished something more fundamental than moving policy debate to the left. It began to democratize the means of electoral production. The campaign put money, technology, and expertise in the service of organized people

Socialists aren’t anywhere near powerful enough to overcome capitalism, but are now a force to be reckoned with in mass politics. This opportunity requires wrestling with the challenges of governing under capitalism rather than relying on old dogmas

Reader Comments: Elections 2026 and 2028 - Democratic Socialists Further Advance; AOC Should Run for President; Jewish Socialists Helped Build Multiracial Democracy; Strikes of Attorneys Representing Poor Clients; Dr. Fauci; lots more and Cartoons;

The rapid growth of DSA in recent decades is part of a global phenomenon of voters and activists from the Left and Right who distrust the political establishment and traditional parties, and have formed what are called “movement parties.”

Be excited about Zohran, but sober about our movement's shallow roots. The big question now is whether we will be able to lean on that hope to rebuild a powerful working-class movement in workplaces and neighborhoods across our city and nation.

The progressive party is now active in 18 states and much of its expansion happened in the past five years. The party believes 2026 will be a wave year for the left nationwide, so it will be aggressively recruiting candidates for state legislatures

New York’s new mayor challenged his supporters and opponents to make the city better, to hold him to account. "I ask you to stand with us now, and every day that follows. City Hall will not be able to deliver on our own-the work-has only just begun."

If Zohran Mamdani is serious about delivering on his promises, he needs more than policies — he needs institutions that empower working people. Popular assemblies offer a way to build a new, bottom-up political culture in New York City.

Reader Comments: Israel Preparing for Permanent Gaza Presence; New “New Deal” About To Wipe Out the Old Political Order; Tribute to Blacklisted Lyricist Yip Harburg; Exchange: Why Portside Ran SMART Union President's Message; Announcements; Cartoons

Zohran Mamdani got the headlines, but New York was not a one-off. Candidates endorsed by the Working Families Party had amazing election successes elsewhere in America, showing well-organized progressives can beat the power of big money.