Democratic Socialism Emerges as New Challenge For the Party

With the midterms the new focus for members of Congress, Democrats are trying to present a united front amid a new dividing line: democratic socialism.

Democratic socialism, which advocates for a democratic government alongside a stronger social safety net, has grown more popular in recent months. Candidates often emphasize issues such as affordability, universal healthcare, workers' rights, and reducing economic inequality.

But the movement has gained both support and concern. Some Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have described it as "communism," a characterization that democratic socialists reject.

A Party Divided?

Others, like Representative Christian Menefee (D-TX), are more optimistic about the new approach it brings to his party.

“At base, we all believe in a set of shared values,” Rep. Menefee said in an interview with Texas Politics. “In the strength of the Constitution, and that every single person is created equal and that our government has to address past harms against subgroups.”

According to a recent CNN poll, 40% of young Democrats now say they identify as a Democratic Socialist, while one-third of all Democrats say the same.

With his focus now on the midterms, Rep. Menefee said his Democratic colleagues have to be focused less on their individual differences and more on campaigning for a Democratic majority in both chambers.

“I don't care if you're the most moderate of moderate members, or you're the left of the left members, I'm a rock with you,” Rep. Menefee said. “Because if we ain't power, we can't get nothing done.”

Rep. Menefee represents Texas's 18th Congressional District. He said the majority of his constituents are Latino and Black, as well as low-income.

“They don't have the luxury to play people's little intellectual ideological disagreement game,” he said. “This is real life for them.”

The Road to November

Now in August recess, Rep. Menefee said he is focusing on getting out and talking to his constituents more frequently. With Republicans controlling Congress, he said connecting directly with voters is more important than ever.

“They have the Senate, they have the House and they have the presidency,” Rep. Menefee said. “Unless things change in November, that is the status quo, and it's really hard for us to do anything about it.”

But regardless of how the midterms turn out, the Texas congressman said he is determined to keep advocating for his community.

“Our district knows what it means to have a voice in Congress, have somebody who's advocating for you and fighting for you,” Rep. Menefee said.