Our slate's vision is clear: at DSA’s 2025 convention and locally in Chicago, we must build an organization capable of meeting this moment of crisis and opportunity. As a united group of members from the Socialist Majority Caucus, Groundwork Caucus, and independent candidates, we're running together for delegate to shape a new horizon for DSA and the socialist movement.
POINTS OF UNITY
Socialism Beats Fascism
One of the central fights in this current moment is the rising authoritarianism of the Trump administration. For DSA, this means not downplaying the existential threat that the far-right poses on the working class. The far right has seized control of the federal government and many states, using its power to attack labor rights, disappear and persecute oppressed communities, escalate the genocide in Palestine, and drive toward authoritarian rule. Defeating them is a primary task for socialists, and we must unite millions into mass movements defending democracy and lives.
​Now more than ever, DSA needs the strength and capacity to fight fascism and the challenges ahead. For our national organization and leadership to spread our political message in the media, on the picket line, and in the streets, they must be supported by a robust infrastructure of national staff and resources that enable us to grow. Our vision for DSA is one where every member feels ownership of the organization and its direction, supported by reforms such as those outlined in the Democracy Commission omnibus, as well as "1 Member 1 Vote" (1M1V) which democratizes key decisions on endorsements and the National Political Committee leadership to our 80,000+ members.
Democratize DSA
Leveraging State Power
We believe wielding state power is a necessary step for implementing democratic socialism. DSA should seek to elect socialists across all levels of government who will protect workers and our planet once in office, fighting for transformative policies that will build working class power, such as the PRO Act. In particular, we support the effort for DSA to recruit and run labor candidates for elected office. For Chicago DSA and beyond, we hold that acting like a party means establishing a model of true co-governance where chapters set political positions, draft legislation and ordinances, provide resources, and build class consciousness. In concert, our Socialists in Office deliver victories that meaningfully improve the lives of working people, undermine the influence of the capitalist ruling class, and support chapter priorities and local organizing. We are inspired by NYC-DSA's victory in the Build Public Renewables Act and countless DSA wins supported by smaller chapters across the country.
The people in power are weak and in disarray, which leaves an opening for socialist leadership. In this new Trump era, millions of American people are awakening to the failures of corporate, establishment Democrats. Hundreds of thousands are taking steps towards class struggle at events like AOC’s and Bernie Sanders’ “Fight Oligarchy” rallies. Although they may not be socialists yet, people are hungry for a new vision of politics, and we should be putting our members in motion to push our message to the masses. DSA, including the Chicago chapter, should have a visible presence anywhere those open to our vision might be, exercise “soft power” and influence via voter guides and other materials, and engage in tactical alliances with organizations who are activating an anti-Trump base.
Seize the
Initiative
A Unified Labor Movement
DSA should unify the workplace and electoral struggles that democratic socialists are engaged in to build a left pole of the labor movement capable of winning democratic control of the economy and society. That means organizing the unorganized, expanding union democracy and militancy, and coordinating with unions on a working-class political program that includes electoral campaigns and legislative fights. Alongside rooting ourselves in rank-and-file activity, we must also initiate and support new union organizing and build industry-based worker networks. A broad, flexible approach is essential to meet the scale of the climate crisis, racial and social injustice, and the fight for working-class power.
Capitalism is an exploitative system and its harms are disproportionately felt by oppressed segments of the class. Socialists must fight against all forms of oppression—white supremacy, patriarchy, transmisogyny, xenophobia, ableism, and so on—while linking these struggles to the fight for labor power. Our goal is to create a popular practice of working-class politics which fosters solidarity, anti-racism and feminism that tackles the intersecting forms of oppression. This means organizing for universal rights like healthcare, childcare, and education, empowering women, trans, and non-binary comrades to lead, and ensuring our organization reflects the full diversity of the working class. Within DSA, we support efforts like the Multiracial Organizing Committee (MROC) that seek to intentionally grow a multiracial organization and movement and support an ongoing commitment to the migrant solidarity efforts overseen by the International Migrant Rights Working Group.
Building the Rainbow Coalition
WHO WE ARE
CONVENTION & VOTING
What is Convention?
Convention is the highest decision-making body of DSA, held every other year. Delegates representing DSA chapters across the country gather to elect the organization's leadership (the National Political Committee), set political priorities, and debate and vote on resolutions and constitutional/bylaw amendments. Read more on DSA's dedicated Convention website!
How do I vote for delegate?
If you're a member of Chicago DSA in good standing, you'll receive an email from OpaVote with an electronic ballot on May 25th. The last day to cast a ballot will be June 1st. Make sure to attend the delegate candidate forums on May 18th and May 21st to hear from New Horizon Slate members and other delegate candidates!