Florida primary fight marks DSA’s last stand

The last major midterm primary test for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is taking place Tuesday in Florida, after a loss in Wisconsin this past week dealt a blow to the far-left movement. 

DSA-backed Oliver Larkin is aiming to unseat Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) in the Democratic primary for the 25th Congressional District, which was reshaped by Republican-friendly redistricting. The incumbent has the obvious edge in polls and fundraising, but his challenger has generated buzz his supporters hope will translate into votes on election day in President Trump’s backyard. 

The Sunshine State’s primary is the last in a string of midterm congressional primaries testing the strength of DSA candidates from the party’s left flank, with just a handful of state legislative races still ahead. Amid concerns about progressive candidates’ electability, the DSA is looking to Moskowitz’s district as one more gauge of momentum before turning full attention to the high-stakes general election. 

“By the end of the year, we’ll have a solid block of democratic socialists coming into Congress,” said DSA co-Chair Ashik Siddique, pointing to this cycle’s success stories as he projected optimism about a strong showing in red Florida. 

“Whatever happens, DSA members will be coming out stronger, better organized, and we’ll keep working to show that there’s a base for this working-class alternative in Florida.” 

Seven DSA-endorsed candidates have won their congressional primaries so far this cycle, including incumbent Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). 

In New York, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier won the Democratic nod in their respective Big Apple House races, with Avila Chevalier ousting progressive Rep. Adriano Espaillat. In Pennsylvania, Chris Rabb won a wide-open Philadelphia House primary. In Colorado, Melat Kiros defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette (D). And earlier this month in Michigan, Donavan........

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