Democratic Socialists Outline Plan to Overhaul U.S. Institutions

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have publicly confirmed a sweeping agenda that calls for the abolition of several foundational U.S. institutions, including the presidency, U.S. Senate, and Supreme Court. The group also seeks to overhaul immigration enforcement and military funding. DSA co-chair Megan Romer outlined these priorities during an appearance on 'Fox News Sunday,' emphasizing that the organization’s vision extends to eliminating prisons, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and national borders. Additional goals include defunding the Pentagon and granting amnesty to people in the country illegally.

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The DSA’s proposals underscore a sharp divide over the future of U.S. governance. Critics warn that such measures would bring radical change to the nation’s political system, while supporters argue that the proposals represent a necessary reimagining of American society to address longstanding inequities.

The DSA’s platform, as detailed in its "Workers Deserve More 2025-2026 Program," calls for "full voting rights to all permanent U.S. residents," a category that includes unauthorized immigrants. The group also proposes expanding the House of Representatives, implementing proportional representation and ranked-choice voting, and abolishing the Senate. According to the DSA’s website, the organization envisions a society without for-profit healthcare, housing, or education, where basic needs are treated as common goods rather than commodities.

DSA’s Policy Platform

During her interview, Romer clarified that abolishing borders and defunding the Pentagon are part of a "longer-term plan" rather than immediate steps. "We’re not saying open the borders tomorrow. We’re saying rebuild and imagine a society that works for everyone, and the open borders is part of a longer-term, international plan that involves us stopping destabilizing countries," Romer said.

The DSA’s "Workers Deserve More" program, published on its website, advocates for a future in which permanent U.S. residents, including those in the country illegally, receive full voting rights. The platform also calls for expanding the House, adopting proportional representation, and implementing ranked-choice voting. The group explicitly seeks to abolish the Senate, arguing that it is an undemocratic institution. The DSA’s broader vision includes eliminating private ownership in key sectors and ending profit-driven models in healthcare, housing, and education, according to its official program. The organization maintains that these changes would ensure that basic needs are met for all residents, regardless of citizenship status or income.

The DSA’s platform also calls for the elimination of prisons and ICE, reflecting a broader movement within the organization to rethink the role of law enforcement and incarceration in American society. The group’s stance on defunding the Pentagon is tied to its opposition to U.S. military interventions abroad and its belief that resources should be redirected toward domestic priorities.

Endorsements and Political Reach

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, the DSA has endorsed 163 candidates nationwide, including 30 for Congress. Of these federal candidates, five have won their primaries and will appear on the November ballot as Democratic Party nominees, while ten lost their primary races. Among the most prominent endorsements is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who has been a vocal supporter of many DSA priorities and is widely recognized as a leading figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

Candidates seeking DSA endorsement must commit to upholding the national policy platform and the group’s priorities, as set by the party’s National Electoral Commission. These requirements include supporting the goals Romer described on Fox News, such as expanding voting rights, overhauling federal institutions, and reimagining the role of government in providing basic services.

The DSA’s influence has grown in recent election cycles, with several candidates successfully winning local and state offices. The group’s endorsements are seen as a signal to progressive voters and can provide candidates with organizational support, volunteers, and fundraising assistance. However, DSA-endorsed candidates are also expected to adhere to the group’s platform, which can be a point of contention within the broader Democratic Party.

Reactions and Party Response

Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the DSA’s agenda, posting on social media that "the barbarians are inside the gate—and Democrats are WELCOMING them in." Johnson characterized the platform as extreme and warned that such proposals are no longer "far fetched." He argued that the DSA’s vision represents a fundamental departure from traditional American values and institutions.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., offered a contrasting perspective, telling Fox News that the Democratic Party remains a "big tent" and welcomes candidates with a range of views, including those aligned with the DSA. "I do think the Democratic Party has always been known … as a big tent," Kaine said. "[If] somebody says, 'I’m a DSA candidate,' I don’t think you should use that to throw them out. … Candidates have to rise and fall on their own merits."

The DSA did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Signal. However, the organization’s priorities remain publicly available on its website and in its published program. The group continues to advocate for its platform through public statements, candidate endorsements, and grassroots organizing.

"We’re not saying open the borders tomorrow. We’re saying rebuild and imagine a society that works for everyone, and the open borders is part of a longer-term, international plan that involves us stopping destabilizing countries."

— Megan Romer, DSA co-chair

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the DSA’s platform and endorsements are expected to remain a point of contention within the Democratic Party and among the broader electorate. The debate over the group’s proposals highlights ongoing tensions over the direction of U.S. policy and the future of American democracy.