The Democratic Socialists of America is an ascendant force in U.S. politics. This summer alone, it has toppled incumbents in the House of Representatives, clinched mayorships, and laid the groundwork for increased power at the state level.

The DSA counts Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as members. Its caucuses are split over whether to co-opt the Democratic Party’s electoral infrastructure or to abandon the legacy institution outright. Yet, at least for the time being, the DSA has launched insurgent bids in Democratic primaries across the country.