New York City mayoral primary boosts hopes of Minneapolis democratic socialists

Minneapolis democratic socialists rallied around Zohran Mamdani's victory over Andrew Cuomo in New York City's Democratic primary, viewing it as validation of grassroots activism. As they prepared for local campaigning, they emphasized that organized efforts can triumph over financial power. Michael Wilson, a Park Board candidate, stated, "organized people beat organized money," reflecting the sentiment among activists. Political scientists caution against directly applying New York's dynamics to Minneapolis, noting distinct political conditions and leadership dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party. The Minneapolis DSA, with 1,500 members, has endorsed candidates like mayoral candidate Omar Fateh, who supports a minimum wage for gig workers.

The chapter's influence is evident in the growing number of DSA-backed city council candidates. Following the primary, the national DSA gained 2,393 new members, indicating a surge in interest during pivotal political moments. This reflects a broader trend of increased membership during significant political events, highlighting evolving political landscapes.