Democratic Socialists of America, the self-described largest socialist group in the United States, saw four of their candidates elected to office in Texas last week as well as the passage of a DSA-backed referendum.

In a release applauding the campaign wins of Franklin Bynum, Judge-elect of Harris County Criminal Court 8; DaSean Jones, Judge-elect of Harris County’s 180thCriminal Court; Julie Ann Nitsch, Austin Community College Place 9 Trustee-elect; and Danny Norris, Harris County Department of Education Precinct 1 Trustee-elect, the DSA said:

“Yesterday democratic socialists fought and won inspiring election campaigns across the country, representing the rebirth of the American socialist movement after generations in retreat.”

The release goes on to claim success in advancing polices like universal healthcare, a “progressively funded single-payer system,” and a revitalized labor movement.

The group also listed the passage of Austin’s Proposition A, dubbed “Affordable Austin,” as a win.

Prop A was $250 million of an overall $925 million bond package presented to Austin voters. The proposition specifically addressed affordable housing with $100 million going towards buying land, $94 million targeting housing for renters and the homeless, $28 million for affordable housing purchases by low-income residents, and $28 million for home repairs for low-income homebuyers.

Despite being an affordable housing bond, the overall package is expected to exacerbate Austin’s unaffordability crisis, in part by raising property taxes on the average homeowner.

While a few dozen nationwide electoral victories doesn’t portend a political revolution anytime soon, it’s clear the socialist movement is picking up momentum at all levels of government. History suggests that fighting back against their failed ideology is of paramount importance for Americans of all stripes.

Charles Blain

Charles Blain is the president of Urban Reform and Urban Reform Institute. A native of New Jersey, he is based in Houston and writes on municipal finance and other urban issues.

RELATED POSTS