Growing Socialist Presence in Nevada Democrats: DSA Chapters in Reno and Las Vegas Drive Local Efforts
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States. It maintains active chapters in every state, including in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada. DSA functions as a political and activist group and has effectively influenced state party structures and Democratic primaries in Nevada.
DSA chapters are more popular than ever, with candidates achieving recent electoral successes across the country. These include high-profile wins such as Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York mayoral race over longtime Democrat and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This week several DSA candidates defeated establishment Democrats in congressional primaries, including victories in New York and knocking out longtime Democrat incumbents Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Rep. Dan Goldman.
For decades DSA operated as a modest advocacy organization. Its membership grew rapidly after Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. Prominent elected officials such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) have helped elevate the DSA brand. Democratic Party leaders have criticized the group for using Democratic Party infrastructure to elect socialists and develop their own organizing networks.
In Nevada, DSA chapters participate directly in party and electoral efforts. A DSA-aligned slate secured leadership roles in the Nevada Democratic Party in 2021. The shift prompted staff resignations and resistance from traditional party figures. In 2023 a traditional Democrat slate led by Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno ousted the DSA-aligned chair Judith Whitmer. Las Vegas DSA regularly publishes voter guides for primaries and endorses candidates for the Nevada State Assembly. Its endorsed members often campaign on issues such as rent control, health care access, and workers’ rights.
Tensions peaked at the 2016 Nevada Democratic State Convention. Sanders supporters, some aligned with emerging DSA-style activism, protested what they saw as unfair delegate selection rules. Reports described shouting, attempts to rush the stage, and chairs being thrown. Officials ended the event early due to security concerns. The state party chair faced death threats and a surge of calls. The episode underscored early divisions inside Nevada’s Democratic Party.
Today DSA chapters in Nevada continue to back candidates through endorsements and grassroots organizing. Recent examples include 2026 endorsements of Val Thomason for State Assembly District 10 and Shaun Navarro for District 34. So far DSA candidates have lost in Nevada, and the Democratic Party establishment maintains a strong hold on the party.
