Record number of democratic socialists elected as mayors across US

The Guardian reported that a historic wave of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members won mayoral races in the United States last week. Nithya Raman and Janeese Lewis George were elected to lead Los Angeles and Washington, DC, respectively. In the same cycle, David Morales and Yousef Rabhi secured mayoralties in Providence, Rhode Island, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The victories add to a growing roster of socialist mayors in smaller municipalities, such as Burlington, Vermont, and Irvine, California, and join Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist mayor of New York. The Guardian noted that progressive candidates also made gains in Congress and state legislatures, giving the party a broader platform to pursue its agenda.

These new leaders are expected to test the DSA’s promises on affordability and other policy goals as they take office in some of the nation’s largest and most visible cities.

Why it matters

The influx of democratic socialist mayors could shape local policies on housing and cost of living, extending the party’s influence beyond legislative chambers.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

12 Nov 2026, 17:30 IST

Key names

Members of Democratic Socialists of America, Congress, American, Democratic Socialists of America

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianA record number of US democratic socialists will become mayors. They’re out to prove their vision for affordability 12 Nov, 17:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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