DNC Chair Ken Martin defends the "big tent" strategy as he pressures Democratic Socialists

DNC Chair Ken Martin says welcoming a broad coalition, including the voice of the DSA, is key to victory ahead of the midterm elections.

Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat, warned of the power of socialists

Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer is sounding the alarm about the growing influence of far-left socialist factions in the party. Gottheimer emphasizes the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America during the recent important primaries. He argues that mainstream leaders must actively reject radical progressive policies to maintain voter confidence and win competitive congressional elections.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin defended his party's grand approach on Monday, saying Democrats must continue to expand their coalition even as Republicans target the party for its ties to Democratic Socialists.

Martin was pressed during an interview on MSNOW about whether the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a liability for the party ahead of the midterm elections.

"So let me just say, I've always had a big approach to how to create a party," Martin said. "That's why I've been successful in Minnesota all these years. I believe you win by addition, not subtraction. You win by growing your coalition, not shrinking it."

Newsom tells Democrats to be "additive, not subtractive" with socialists on trade.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin, standing with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at an event in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2025, pledges to Democrats that they "will not back down" from President Donald Trump and Republicans' mid-decade redistricting efforts. (DNC)

"And sometimes, when Americans see this, there's a middle ground," said MSNOW host Peter Alexander.

"No, not at all," Martin replied, "because that's where the vast majority of Americans are." Martin reiterated: "Maybe right in the middle, or a little left of center, or a little right of center. But that doesn't mean we can't bring new voices into the party, right? Of course, we have to keep growing and we have to keep expanding this tent."

Check it out: Top operative draw line in Hasan Pekar's 'Deplorables' after party's 'big tent' promo

The Republican National Committee wrote in X: “Democrat Chairman Ken Martin is embracing far-left radicals who want to dismantle police, prisons and borders.

DSA co-chair mocked as proud socialists want to abolish senate, national borders, prisons

The DSA has supported far-left policies, including abolishing the police, prisons and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as removing immigration restrictions and expanding public ownership.

President Donald Trump and Republicans have repeatedly targeted the DSA ahead of the November election. Earlier this month, Trump's Council of Economic Advisers released a report estimating that adopting seven key DSA policies would add $49 trillion to the federal budget deficit over 10 years, or more than $350,000 per American household.

Sen. Mark Kelly warns far-left politics 'not reasonable' could cost Democrats seats

"No mistake, these are the policies of the Democrats." The White House announced in a statement: "They want to destroy our great and war-torn country and destroy our economy and the fabric of our nation."

Meanwhile, many mainstream Democrats have tried to distance themselves from the DSA label and point to their support for capitalism and social democracy.

Mamdani unveils sweeping review of NYPD use of force, but refuses to deliver on key campaign promises.