Moderate Democrat Attacks Socialist Faction, Demands They Form Separate Party

A prominent House Democrat intensified his criticism of socialist elements within the party, publicly calling on them to establish an independent political organization rather than attempt to reshape the Democratic Party from within. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, a key figure in the moderate Blue Dog Coalition, appeared on Fox News to articulate his position that the Democratic Socialists of America operate fundamentally at odds with core Democratic principles.

Gottheimer argued that the roughly 150,000 DSA members do not represent the views of the 45 million registered Democrats nationwide. He characterized their stated platform as incompatible with Democratic values, pointing to convention statements where some members expressed support for communist ideology and positions he described as anti-border enforcement and anti-law enforcement.

The New Jersey congressman rejected claims from some party members that DSA-aligned candidates deserve Democratic support. He cited Silicon Valley representative Ro Khanna’s recent comments about the need for party reform as evidence of broader divisions, though he argued that fringe movements on both sides of the political spectrum were attempting to infiltrate established parties with incompatible agendas.

Gottheimer also addressed controversies surrounding left-wing figures, stating that streamer Hasan Piker should not be considered a Democrat and referencing longtime Clinton strategist James Carville’s threat to leave the party if such individuals gained influence. Despite the intense criticism, Gottheimer indicated he had no intention of departing the Democratic Party himself.

His district, spanning from liberal suburbs near New York City to conservative areas near the Delaware Water Gap, reflects New Jersey’s political diversity. The comments come as former Rep. Jeff Van Drew, also from New Jersey, switched to the Republican Party during the previous Trump administration.