Gavin Newsom told Politico he is "not alarmed" by recent DSA primary gains and supports a "big-tent" Democratic Party. Key figures differ: AOC embraces democratic socialism, Kamala Harris rejects it, and others like Buttigieg, Ossoff and Shapiro have offered cautious or mixed responses. Polls show significant public skepticism of the DSA, highlighting a central strategic challenge for Democrats ahead of 2028.
Newsom Says He’s “Not Alarmed” by DSA Gains — Where Top 2028 Democrats Stand on Democratic Socialism
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during an election night event in Warminster, Pennsylvania on May 19. California Governor Gavin Newsom attends a bill signing event in Sacramento on August 21, 2025. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks in Detroit on July 18.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he is "not alarmed" by the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and urged a "big-tent" approach for the Democratic Party as potential 2028 contenders stake out differing positions. DSA-backed candidates scored notable primary victories this year, prompting debate about how the party should balance progressive energy with broader electoral concerns.
Where Key Figures Stand
Gavin Newsom
Newsom told Politico he favors inclusivity: "It's where a lot of the energy in the party is. So why would you ever dismiss that?" He has said he will let "fate" help determine whether he runs in 2028.
Kamala Harris
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been explicit that she is not a democratic socialist. While weighing another run, she has repeatedly distanced herself from the label and emphasized her governing experience.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Chandler, Arizona, on October 10, 2024.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Representative AOC is the most prominent elected official associated with democratic socialism. She recently renewed her national DSA membership and has emphasized that democratic socialism prioritizes democracy and electoral processes over authoritarian models.
Bernie Sanders
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran as a democratic socialist in 2016 and 2020, remains a leading voice for the ideology within Democratic politics.
Jon Ossoff, Pete Buttigieg, Andy Beshear and Josh Shapiro
Senator Jon Ossoff has not publicly aligned with democratic socialism and downplayed 2028 speculation. Pete Buttigieg has largely avoided direct critiques of the DSA while noting disagreement with the party's farthest-left elements and has said he is "more inclined than not" to run. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called socialism a "failed experiment" but acknowledged widespread voter frustration. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has positioned himself as a centrist, noting both disagreement with some DSA-aligned candidates and recognition of the passion driving their rise.
Democratic Socialists of America gather outside of a Trump-owned building in New York City on May 1, 2019.
What the DSA Advocates
The Democratic Socialists of America describe democratic socialism as a system where ordinary people have meaningful voice in workplaces, neighborhoods and government. DSA members commonly support policies such as single-payer health care and the Green New Deal, and they argue democratic socialism pursues social ownership through democratic institutions, civil liberties and competitive elections rather than authoritarian means.
Polling And Political Stakes
Public opinion remains mixed. A Marquette Law School poll found 21% of Americans view the DSA favorably, 48% unfavorably and 31% said they had not heard enough to say. A Pew Research Center survey from January showed 37% of Americans disliked leaders who identify as democratic socialists while 17% liked them; among Democrats, 32% liked such leaders. These numbers underscore a broader tension: harnessing grassroots progressive energy while appealing to moderates and independents ahead of 2028.
Why It Matters For 2028
The Democratic Party will need to balance competing constituencies—progressives energized by DSA gains and moderates wary of labels that perform poorly with some voters—if it hopes to build a coalition capable of defeating Republican challengers in 2028. The debate over outreach versus distancing is shaping early positioning by potential contenders.
Bottom Line: Newsom urges a big-tent approach as DSA-backed wins sharpen intraparty debate. Prominent Democrats range from embracing democratic socialism to explicitly rejecting it, and public opinion remains divided — a dynamic that will influence the 2028 nominating contest.
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