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Veteran Dem strategist unleashes super PAC to block DSA in NY: ‘They’re not Democrats’
Veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf is repurposing his pro-law-enforcement super PAC to oppose the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York elections. He says the group is not Democratic and wants to dismantle the American system; the effort comes as DSA candidates gain influence in the party and win prominent offices.
Sheinkopf’s PAC spent about $200,000 trying to stop DSA member Zohran Mamdani’s successful New York mayoral campaign last year. He plans to build a door-knocking operation and challenge DSA candidates for state, city and federal offices. The article says that from January, DSA members will hold four City Council seats, 14 state Legislature seats and eight House seats; DSA candidate Nithya Raman also recently won Los Angeles’s mayoralty. Sheinkopf criticises the group’s support for the BDS movement, while DSA members dispute that their advocacy for Palestinians is antisemitic.
In short
- Sheinkopf is redirecting his super PAC against DSA candidates in New York.
- The PAC plans to campaign across city, state and federal races.
- DSA members are gaining seats in New York and beyond.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Sheinkopf’s effort may argue that voters deserve clear scrutiny of a movement whose candidates are gaining influence within the Democratic Party, especially where its positions on BDS and the political system raise concerns. A focused campaign could help voters understand those differences and choose representatives whose approach they trust.
The case against
Critics may argue that DSA members are participating in democratic elections and should be judged on their policies and record, rather than treated as outside the party or a threat to the American system. They may also see the PAC’s opposition as an attempt by an established party strategist to marginalise a growing faction, including its advocacy for Palestinians, which DSA members say is not antisemitic.
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