Democratic socialists are on the rise in Trump-era mayoral races

2026 ElectionDemocratic socialists are on the rise in Trump-era mayoral racesThe rise is fueled by a backlash to Trump policies, economic strain and fatigue with the Democratic establishment. A possible win in Washington, D.C., might be next.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00City Councilmember Janeese Lewis George in Washington, D.C., in 2025.Craig Hudson / The Washington Post via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 17, 2026, 5:01 PM EDTBy Natasha KoreckiWashington, D.C., mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George looked at a teeming crowd on Tuesday evening and issued a proclamation about her candidacy as a democratic socialist: “If there were any doubt, let it now be laid to rest,” she said. “It is the people of D.C. who elect the mayor of D.C.”Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Flanked by supporters after early results showed her with a significant lead, she continued: “Tonight, D.C. made its demands.” Her remarks came days after President Donald Trump had warned that he could attempt a federal takeover of Washington if the democratic socialist city councilmember rose to power. “We won’t put up with it,” Trump warned in comments to reporters. But he already is. In some of the United States’ most powerful and populous cities, including the nation’s financial hub and now potentially the political center of the country, politics are shifting farther left — and some say it is in direct response to Trump and his policies. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani spectacularly rose to prominence to lead New York City in last year’s elections there, offering free bus rides and rent stabilization. In Los Angeles, democratic socialist Nithya Raman advanced to the mayoral runoff where she’ll face off against incumbent Karen Bass, a fellow Democrat.Nithya Raman on June 1 in Los Angeles.Justin Sullivan / Getty Images fileIn Seattle, democratic socialist Katie Wilson assumed office earlier this...