The Democratic Socialists of America are growing in numbers and political influence, with candidates and elected officials advancing the movement’s agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.

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On IFA’s September First Friday webcast, IFA President and CEO David Kubal and Chief Program Officer Kris Kubal examined the DSA’s ideology, its strategy for gaining political power, and what its rise could mean for the future of the United States.

The DSA is not simply another political party competing against Republicans and Democrats. Kris explained that the organization has instead pursued a strategy of operating within the Democratic Party, supporting socialist candidates who run as Democrats and attempting to move the party progressively further left.

That strategy has become increasingly significant as the organization has grown. David noted that DSA membership has risen dramatically in recent years, while DSA-affiliated candidates and officeholders have appeared throughout the country. The movement’s influence is also no longer limited to traditionally progressive areas; Kris pointed to candidates and officials emerging in states such as Utah, Louisiana, Georgia, and Nebraska.

During the webcast, David and Kris highlighted several positions contained in the DSA platform, including abolishing the Senate and Electoral College, restructuring the presidency and Supreme Court, abolishing ICE and prisons, expanding public ownership, and opposing Israel. They argued that these proposals represent something far more radical than the policies traditionally associated with mainstream Democrats.

Perhaps most importantly, the Kubals warned that the DSA does not need to become America’s majority political movement to exercise substantial power.

They compared the DSA’s strategy to the behavior of the cuckoo bird, which places its eggs in another bird’s nest. Once the cuckoo hatches, it eventually pushes the other young birds out and takes over the nest. In the same way, they explained, socialists can operate within the existing Democratic Party infrastructure while gradually displacing its more moderate elements.

Los Angeles provides an example of how a relatively small bloc can wield disproportionate influence. Kris pointed to DSA representation in local government, arguing that members can build coalitions with other officials and influence policy without ever controlling an outright majority. The same strategy can be employed in city governments, state capitals, and eventually Washington.

That creates an unusual concern even for Americans who strongly oppose the Democratic Party’s current direction. David cautioned intercessors against celebrating an internal battle between socialists and more traditional Democrats without considering who might ultimately prevail.

“If the DSA is successful in the Democratic Party, it’s gonna be a mammoth lurch towards socialism in our country,” he warned.

The webcast also explored socialism from an economic perspective. David presented a spectrum running from free markets and capitalism toward a welfare state, socialism, Marxism, and communism. He and Kris discussed taxation, wage controls, government programs, and public ownership as ways government can gradually assume greater influence over economic life.

Rather than expecting America to suddenly awaken under a completely socialist system, they encouraged intercessors to watch for incremental changes. According to David, the danger lies precisely in that gradual movement: policies can shift the relationship between citizens and government piece by piece without producing a single dramatic moment when the transformation becomes obvious.

But the most important response is not merely political.

Kris reminded viewers that legislation and executive action alone cannot address what IFA sees as a spiritual battle over competing worldviews. Intercessors must pray against deception and destructive strongholds while also knowing Scripture well enough to recognize ideas that conflict with biblical truth.

She also challenged the idea that concern for the poor necessarily points toward socialism. Scripture certainly commands us to care for the poor, widows, and downtrodden, she said, but biblical generosity flows voluntarily from people whose hearts have been moved to give rather than from government compulsion.

As America approaches the 2026 midterm elections, the growing influence of the DSA deserves our prayers. Rather than responding with fear or merely watching another political battle unfold, let’s ask God to expose deception, give voters discernment, protect the freedoms entrusted to our nation, and raise up leaders whose policies reflect biblical principles.

You can watch this webcast in the embedded player below.

How are you praying about the growing influence of socialism in America? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Photo Credit: cspirtos – https://www.flickr.com/photos/188360810@N02/49985139338/)