New York City Democratic Socialists of America

The New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA) is the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. It is the largest chapter of the organization, with more than 15,000 members, ahead of DSA-LA.

DSA has been active in New York City (where it is headquartered) since the 1980s, but it became a serious political force after Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. The chapter began to endorse candidates in 2017, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In the 2020s, it ran several slates of candidates, winning elections at nearly every level of government. In 2025, NYC-DSA assemblyman Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor, following an upset victory in the Democratic primary and the subsequent general election. Mamdani's election spurred a growth of chapter membership and success in the 2026 elections.

NYC-DSA is made up of several local branches within the five boroughs and comprises working groups, led by its Steering Committee and co-chairs. Candidates go through a strict democratic endorsement process, and almost always strategically run on the Democratic Party ballot line. Elected officials coordinate with the chapter through city and state "Socialists in Office" committees. The chapter supports progressive reforms, with the end goal of a socialist economy. NYC-DSA's primary base is young renters, particularly in the "Commie Corridor", though its reach has expanded elsewhere. NYC-DSA has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, accusing it of anti-Israel sentiment, communism, and limited appeal among the working class. Socialist magazine Jacobin described the NYC-DSA as "the most dynamic and powerful left-wing organization in the country".