The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is experiencing internal conflict over how the organisation should approach the selection of a presidential candidate, amid growing speculation that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could mount a bid for the White House in 2028. The dispute reflects the DSA's expanding influence within the wider Democratic Party and raises questions about how the group will navigate its endorsement process as its national profile grows.

A New York City DSA co-chair, Gustavo Gordillo, said the organisation would be "thrilled" if Ocasio-Cortez ran for president in 2028, while other figures within the movement have expressed unease about the direction this speculation is taking, with one warning it represents a "dangerous path". The disagreement comes as some critics, including voices aligned with Governor Gavin Newsom's camp, argue the wider Democratic Party needs to distance itself from the DSA rather than embrace it more closely.