Six candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) won seats in the US House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections , marking a record expansion of the movement’s congressional presence as Democrats made gains across the country.
El-Sayed’s projected victory is a separate result from the five DSA-backed House wins. The victories follow a competitive primary season in which DSA-backed candidates challenged established Democratic lawmakers, campaigning on economic populist policies, universal healthcare, affordable childcare and workers’ rights. Chris Rabb secured Pennsylvania ‘s 3rd Congressional District, adding another DSA-backed lawmaker to the incoming House. The candidates’ primary victories had already highlighted the organization’s growing influence within Democratic politics. Their general-election wins now translate that momentum into congressional representation. The incoming lawmakers campaigned on policies including universal healthcare, affordable childcare, stronger protections for workers and opposition to corporate political donations. Several DSA-backed candidates also advocated abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ending US military aid to Israel.
AP also projected that Democrat Abdul El-Sayed had won Michigan’s US Senate general election, according to a post published by the election data organization at 1:15 am EST.
The victories could strengthen progressive voices within the Democratic caucus as the party prepares to take control of the House. The incoming lawmakers have criticized established Democratic leadership during their campaigns and are expected to press for more ambitious progressive policies.
