‘DSA Is Our Maga’: The Democratic Establishment Faces A Reckoning

August 07, 2026 10:36 AM ET The Democratic establishment could be facing a seismic political reckoning not seen since MAGA’s historic overhaul of the Republican Party. A progressive flavor of Democratic candidates has swept their establishment opponents this election cycle, most recently with Abdul El-Sayed’s primary win in Michigan against Rep. Haley Stevens. Sayed’s upset victory is just the latest in a string of progressive primary wins, many of which are associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Sayed is not a DSA-endorsed candidate himself, but his anti-establishment appeal and progressive campaign promises echo several DSA candidates who have enjoyed political success. Much like MAGA’s successful takeover of the Republican Party just a decade ago, DSA’s growing mome