In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.
Despite all the uproar surrounding the ascension of socialist star Zohran Mamdani to mayor-elect of the largest city in America, democratic socialism’s capture of city government, not just New York City’s, is years in the making.
Scores of candidates backed by the country’s de facto socialist party, the Democratic Socialists of America, have wooed their way into local office with similar promises of government-run grocery stores, free childcare, fareless public transportation, and rent freezes.
Notably, a third of the 12-person Portland City Council are active DSA members, all of whom assumed office in January. There, the “socialists are setting the agenda.”