'We're Proving It Works': Inside the DSA’s Push to Remake the Democratic Party

Clockwise from top left: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Zohran Mamdani, Melat Kiros, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Chris Rabb —Photo illustration by Mark Harris for TIME Phones rise across the room as Chris Rabb steps to the front.

It is the second day of the national summit for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in Chicago, and Rabb is fresh off an upset that launched the movement’s summer winning streak, defeating party-backed rivals in a Democratic congressional primary outside Philadelphia.

Activists in red shirts move closer to take selfies.

Some wear DSA’s rose insignia; others have slogans about ICE or Gaza stretched across their chests.

“All right, comrades,” Rabb says, using the group’s preferred form of address with a satisfied grin.

He asks whether anyone is actually from his district.

A few hands go up.

For everyone else, Rabb explains, he intends to be their “bonus rep”: another vote and voice for the causes they have spent years trying to push from the margins of Democratic politics to the center of the national debate.

Then Rabb, who at 56 is among the oldest people at the summit, tells the room what he thinks is happening.

“As someone who’s been around the block a few times, I’ve never, ever felt this level of electricity,” Rabb says.

“Do not take this for granted.

Do not let people try to gaslight you and tell you you do not have power.” The room erupts.

There is plenty feeding the confidence.

By the time DSA members gather in Chicago in early August, Republicans are gleefully calling it the “Summer of Socialism.” The organization’s membership has surged past 120,000.