Multiple Democrats seen as possible presidential candidates in 2028 have signaled openness to an endorsement from the country’s leading socialist organization, marking the left wing’s growing influence over the Democratic Party. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said on Sunday that while he “certainly isn’t seeking” an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America, he also wouldn’t reject the DSA’s backing. He’s one of many likely 2028 contenders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who have been careful not to alienate themselves from socialists, after multiple DSA victories in primaries across the country startled the establishment. “I think that those in the Democratic Party who are afraid of a healthy debate are missing the point,” Van Hollen said during an NBC News interview. “Because voters, including Democratic voters, they don’t want to simply return to the pre-Trump status quo. They want Democrats who are going to stand for something. And I can strongly disagree with one set of Democrats, but I think that debate is healthy.”
The Maryland Democrat conceded that some DSA positions go too far for him. But when pressed on whether socialists have a place in the Democratic Party, he said: “Yes, they do, as part of the debate.” Gavin Newsom
