WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) is escalating his criticism of the Democratic Socialists of America, saying the organization is attempting to “hijack” the Democratic Party and does not belong under the Democratic banner.
The North Jersey congressman, who has positioned himself as a leading moderate Democrat, argued in recent interviews and public appearances that the DSA’s platform is far outside the political mainstream.
“The DSA may be loud online, but they certainly do not represent the majority of Americans,” Gottheimer said. “They’re trying to hijack the Democratic Party and use it as a vessel for their anti-American platform.”
Gottheimer says socialists are “not Democrats”
Gottheimer has repeatedly argued that members of the Democratic Socialists of America should not identify themselves as Democrats.
“If you’re a socialist, you’re not a Democrat,” he said, adding there is “no room for anti-American bomb-throwers who oppose our ideas, values, and leaders.”
While describing the Democratic Party as a “big tent,” Gottheimer said there are limits to that coalition, arguing the DSA’s positions fall outside the party’s traditional principles.
He has suggested that if Democratic Socialists want to pursue their own political agenda, they should establish an independent political party rather than seek to reshape the Democratic Party from within.
Moderate Democrats push back against socialism
Gottheimer has joined other centrist House Democrats in emphasizing support for free-market policies.
As part of the “Promise to America” pledge signed by several moderate Democrats, participants declared, “We are capitalist, not socialist,” a statement intended to distinguish themselves from candidates and organizations advocating democratic socialism.
The comments come as ideological divisions within the Democratic Party continue to receive national attention ahead of upcoming elections, with debates over the party’s direction playing out in congressional races and local primaries across the country.
Why it matters
Gottheimer’s remarks underscore the ongoing divide between moderate Democrats and the party’s progressive wing. As one of New Jersey’s most prominent centrist Democrats, his criticism of the DSA highlights broader debates over the Democratic Party’s identity, messaging, and policy priorities heading into future election cycles.
Key Points
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer says the Democratic Socialists of America are trying to “hijack” the Democratic Party.
- The New Jersey Democrat argued that “if you’re a socialist, you’re not a Democrat.”
- Gottheimer has aligned with other moderate Democrats who signed a pledge stating, “We are capitalist, not socialist.”
FAQ
Who is Josh Gottheimer?
Josh Gottheimer is a Democratic congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District.
What did Gottheimer say about the DSA?
He said the Democratic Socialists of America are trying to “hijack” the Democratic Party and argued that socialists are “not Democrats.”
What is the Democratic Socialists of America?
The DSA is a political organization that advocates democratic socialist policies and supports candidates at the local, state, and federal levels.
What is the “Promise to America” pledge?
It is a pledge signed by several moderate House Democrats declaring, in part, “We are capitalist, not socialist.”
Source: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (Facebook), The Hill, New York Post
