DSA Grows in Western Mass Following National Election Upsets
River Valley DSA. Photo: River Valley DSA.
Source: River Valley Democratic Socialists of America
River Valley DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) has reached 500 members in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Nationally, DSA has drawn attention due to the electoral wins of Clare Valdez, Chris Rabb, and Darializa Avila Chevalier in U.S. congressional primaries and 30 primaries nationwide. These wins follow the victory of DSA member Zohran Mamdani in the 2025 NYC Mayoral Election. Locally, DSA has started to win elections as well, from Jill Brevik on the Town Council in Amherst to the re-election of Tom Hendrickson to Agawam City Council.
River Valley DSA members organize for strong unions, housing justice, and democratic control of our communities.
River Valley DSA co-chair Sasha Morsmith commented, “Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and centrist Democrats all agree that DSA is the biggest threat to their corporate, warmongering agendas. We’re taking the fight to the rich from towns and cities to the halls of power. When we organize together, working people can overcome any obstacle.”
Co-chair Adrien R. added, “I originally joined River Valley DSA in search of community and friendship, and I’m grateful to have found that. Over 500 other members and I have found a political home in which we all truly believe that a better future is possible, and I’m proud to be part of this chapter at such a monumental milestone.”
RVDSA was founded in 2017 with the purpose of building working-class power in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. A contingent of members comes from the Northampton area and the chapter has recently expanded to include branches in Greenfield and Springfield. The main office is located in Holyoke.
The working class is coming to the realization that MAGA and corporate Democrats do not represent the working class’s interests. Current officials and policies have resulted in the affordability crisis. They are seeing DSA members as providing a viable alternative, including here in Western Mass.