The South Bay chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has experienced significant membership growth, reflecting an energized national movement. This local affiliate, known as Silicon Valley DSA, which covers Santa Clara County and parts of the Peninsula, is now actively engaging its expanding political presence in the current election cycle. Over the past year, the organization's membership has increased by nearly 40 percent, now totaling more than 800 people. This surge follows a period just a few years ago when representatives noted the group faced high attrition rates and lacked a visible community presence.
The rapid expansion is attributed to several factors mirroring national trends. These include public frustration over Trump administration immigration policies, growing concerns about the rising cost of living in the region, and increasing skepticism regarding the effectiveness of mainstream Democrats in addressing these issues. Jasmine Leyva, who chairs Silicon Valley DSA’s communications committee, stated that residents are "past sick and tired of the status quo" and are actively seeking opportunities for direct participation in actions that benefit their communities.
Silicon Valley DSA members have championed various progressive causes throughout the South Bay. This year, their efforts included rallying opposition against a proposed federal immigration facility near Gilroy. They also participated in public meetings to voice concerns regarding the use of automated license plate reader cameras. Last November, a substantial number of DSA volunteers contributed to the successful passage of Measure A, a countywide sales tax increase designed to bolster funding for the county health care system.
As the November 3 election approaches, the organization has concentrated its efforts on two specific electoral initiatives. Members are conducting door knocking, phone banking, and distributing voter information to build support for Redwood City’s Measure E, a ballot measure intended to introduce rent control and tenant protections. They are also advocating for Proposition 40, a proposal to implement a one-time wealth tax on California billionaires. While the South Bay political organization is not a political party and has not officially endorsed any candidates this election cycle, it has issued a voter guide that includes recommendations, typically favoring labor-aligned candidates.
New members joining Silicon Valley DSA, a chapter formed in 2017, report drawing inspiration from the success of socialist candidates in elections across other parts of the U.S. Notably, they cite the victory of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a DSA member who secured his seat last November by defeating both an established Democratic candidate and a well-funded opposition campaign. Mark Gerow, who joined the local chapter in January, pointed to recent national political upheavals as moments that spurred his participation. For instance, just hours before his first chapter meeting on January 24, federal agents were involved in a fatal shooting during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This event prompted Gerow to attend the meeting in person, reinforcing his commitment.
Currently, Silicon Valley DSA is considered a medium-sized affiliate within the national DSA organization, which boasts over 120,000 members across its various chapters nationwide. In the wider Bay Area, both the San Francisco and East Bay DSA chapters currently have a larger membership than the South Bay group. For some new members, the organization's work provides an alternative to feelings of despair, particularly since the previous presidential administration took office. Mina Mahamud, who joined in July, noted that the group fosters a sense of "community building" and helps her feel like she is actively making a difference, rather than passively observing.
Despite its growth to over 800 members, Silicon Valley DSA's membership still represents a small portion of Santa Clara County's approximately 1 million registered voters, about half of whom are registered as Democrats. Nevertheless, the energetic organizing capacity demonstrated by the group could contribute to advancing progressive priorities in the region. Bill James, chair of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, views the DSA's growth as a positive development, recognizing it as a "very useful force in changing the conversation" among California Democrats and nationally on various issues, including universal healthcare. James also highlighted the alignment between DSA's positions and the local Democratic chapter's support for worker-friendly policies and efforts to address the region’s affordability crisis.
The long-term continuation of this socialist momentum in the South Bay remains to be seen. While the region's politics are generally considered left of center by national standards, local voters have historically shown a preference for centrist Democrats, who often do not support some of the more radical policies favored by the DSA. However, Jessen Fox, who co-chairs Silicon Valley DSA, anticipates the organization's growth will persist, citing ongoing working-class discontent. Fox suggested that while areas like San Francisco and Oakland have a more ingrained "radical tradition," San Jose possesses "all the ingredients to bake that cake" for similar developments.
