Recently, Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi openly suggested that members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), including New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman AOC, should leave the Democratic Party and form a new political party.
In an interview with CBS New York’s “The Point” host Marcia Kramer on August 31st, Suozzi stated that Mamdani and other democratic socialists should establish their own party because he does not want their policies to be within the Democratic Party. He emphasized that if Mamdani wins the mayoral election, it would be “bad for the Democratic Party.”
Suozzi represents the third congressional district which covers parts of Queens and Long Island. He urged House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries not to support Mamdani, believing it would damage the national image of the Democratic Party.
During the Democratic primary in June, Suozzi supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo, but Mamdani ultimately won the nomination for mayor. Mamdani is currently favored to win the mayoral election, with his opponents including Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
Mamdani’s rise has put pressure on some suburban Democrats. Republicans are using his policy positions as a tool to attack, expecting to continue using them in local prosecutor races and next year’s midterm elections.
Mamdani’s policy proposals include taxing the wealthy to provide free bus and childcare services. He has also supported defunding the police, decriminalizing sex work, and boycotting Israel among other controversial issues. However, he has recently distanced himself from some of these positions, such as stating he no longer advocates for cutting police budgets.
Suozzi reiterated his opposition to socialism in the interview, stating, “Capitalism lifts more people out of poverty, drives more innovation; socialism has failed everywhere.”
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a political organization, not a formal party, and currently does not have independent ballot access. Most of its elected members are still registered as Democrats and collaborate with the Democratic Party.