GOP Lawmaker Introduces Resolution Condemning Socialism, Targeting Democratic Colleagues

Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado introduced legislation Thursday that condemns socialism in all its forms, with the explicit aim of pressuring moderate House Democrats to take a public stance against the Democratic Socialists of America. Crank told Fox News Digital the measure would test whether Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will vote against the DSA, despite their stated opposition to the organization.

The resolution points to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s electoral success as a pivotal indicator of the DSA’s growing political influence. Data from the Brookings Institution documented that 123 candidates endorsed or recommended by DSA chapters at various levels won primary races as of August 12, with the majority pursuing local and state offices rather than federal seats.

Crank characterized the DSA movement as fundamentally opposed to American democratic values and constitutional principles, asserting members frequently demonstrate hostility toward free speech protections. He additionally alleged that DSA activists harbor antisemitic views, particularly in their criticism of Israel following the October 7, 2023 attacks, describing the movement as a fusion of traditional socialism with radical anti-Israel sentiment.

The congressman cited violence and intimidation as the consequences of DSA ideology, referencing a February incident in San Francisco when demonstrators disrupted Mayor Daniel Lurie’s announcement of a tax proposal. During that protest, attendees chanted “Tax the rich,” and one person shouted an antisemitic slur, though DSA representatives denied she was affiliated with their organization.

Crank’s resolution advances the SAVE Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for federal election voter registration, while highlighting the DSA’s support for extending voting rights to noncitizens and incarcerated individuals. The DSA platform also calls for abolishing the Senate and replacing the Supreme Court with a body accountable to Congress.

The congressman criticized DSA opposition to capitalism, citing Mamdani’s pied-à-terre tax as evidence that socialist policies drive people away from Democratic-controlled jurisdictions. He also pointed to Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old DSA member who won Colorado’s Democratic primary in July against longtime incumbent Diana DeGette.

Crank drew comparisons between modern democratic socialism and historical communist regimes under Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin, asserting that socialism has caused famines, mass killings and more than 100 million deaths globally. Kiros faced scrutiny for comments about the September 11 attacks, which she characterized as an inevitable consequence of American Middle East intervention, though she framed her remarks as explaining root causes rather than justifying violence.

The House Rules Committee will consider Crank’s resolution Monday, with a full chamber vote expected within the following week, according to the congressman’s statement to Fox News Digital.