Steve Bannon, the self-proclaimed “MAGA godfather” and architect of right-wing populism, rarely offers praise to his political opponents. Yet, his recent pronouncements on the “democratic socialist wave” sweeping the nation serve as a stark, if grudging, acknowledgment of a profound shift in American politics. As reported by Politico, Bannon sees “the old politics are gone,” recognizing the growing organizational power of movements like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Far from a lament for the left, Bannon’s alarm bells should be heard as a rallying cry for progressives: the movement is gaining ground, and the fight for a more equitable future is more urgent and winnable than ever.

The Current Reality

Bannon’s observations, initially highlighted around New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s significant victory in November 2025, which saw an unprecedented turnout in a mayoral race, are proving prescient as of July 2026. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has indeed seen its membership swell to over 100,000 as of February 2026, marking a substantial increase from just 6,000 in 2015. This surge is not merely anecdotal; it’s translating into tangible electoral victories across the country, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

Recent weeks alone have delivered a “hot streak” for democratic socialist and progressive candidates. In June 2026, DSA-endorsed candidates broke through in primary races for local and national seats, challenging incumbents and pulling the Democratic Party further left on key issues. Notably, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsed candidates swept congressional primaries in New York, with Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier unseating incumbents, and are expected to win their general elections. In Washington, D.C., DSA-endorsed Janeese Lewis George won the Democratic primary for mayor, making her the presumptive favorite in the heavily Democratic city.

Perhaps one of the most significant recent upsets occurred in Colorado, where 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros unseated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in a solidly blue district, poised to become the first Gen Z woman in Congress. Other progressive wins have been recorded in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Montana, and even Maine, where Graham Platner, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, beat a sitting two-term governor in the primary by over 50 percentage points. These victories, often fueled by platforms focusing on taxing billionaires, Medicare for All, and housing affordability, demonstrate a growing appetite among voters for authentic, anti-establishment candidates willing to fight for working people.

Even Bannon, while attempting to frame these gains as a liability for Democrats, acknowledged in November 2025 that “The energy is in the populist right, Trump, and what Mamdani is, what I would call the neo-Marxist left”. He warned Republicans that they would “ain’t gonna be in power” if they didn’t align with the MAGA movement. His focus on the strength of grassroots organizing by groups like the Working Families Party and the DSA underscores a recognition, however begrudging, of their effectiveness.

A Progressive Critique

Bannon’s recognition of the democratic socialist wave isn’t a compliment; it’s a strategic assessment from a figure who thrives on disruption and understands the power of a mobilized base. His characterization of the left as “neo-Marxist” is a classic right-wing tactic designed to demonize and fearmonger, precisely because he sees genuine popular appeal in these movements. The underlying conservative fear is not just about policy, but about a fundamental challenge to the existing power structures and the capitalist system they uphold.

The conservative establishment, including Bannon and his ilk, consistently attempts to cast democratic socialist policies as “extremist” or “radical,” ignoring that many of these proposals—like single-payer healthcare or taxing the wealthy—poll well with the public when stripped of the “socialist” label. Their critique often relies on stoking cultural anxieties, even as progressive candidates win on bread-and-butter economic issues that resonate with a broad, multi-racial working class.

Moreover, Bannon’s own political activity in 2026 reveals a desperate attempt to maintain relevance within the Trump-era Republican party, laying groundwork for a potential 2028 presidential bid not necessarily to win, but to shape the debate and pressure candidates towards an “America First” agenda. His earlier claims in February 2026 that ICE would “surround the polls” in the midterms, and his broader campaign of challenging the rule of law and spreading disinformation, represent the antithesis of democratic participation and a clear threat to fair elections. This shows that while Bannon observes the left’s rise, his response is to escalate divisive rhetoric and undermine democratic institutions.

The Path Forward

The current momentum of the democratic socialist movement presents a crucial opportunity for the left. Bannon’s fear-mongering about “old politics” being gone is, in fact, an affirmation that a new, more progressive political era is within reach. The path forward requires:

  1. Sustained Grassroots Organizing: The success of DSA-backed candidates, often powered by robust door-to-door canvassing and community engagement, proves the efficacy of long-term, people-powered movements over corporate-funded campaigns. This ground game must be expanded and nurtured, especially in districts beyond traditional “blue” urban centers.
  2. Focus on Economic Populism: The victories in primaries underscore that voters are hungry for candidates who address core economic anxieties like the cost of living, healthcare, and housing affordability. Articulating clear, actionable policies that challenge wealth inequality and corporate power is paramount.
  3. Rejecting False Divides: While Bannon and his allies will continue to try and “poison the food” with the “socialist brand,” the progressive movement must continue to demonstrate that these policies are about putting people first, delivering effective governance, and improving everyday lives. The ability of figures like Mayor Mamdani to deliver basic services effectively strengthens the case for democratic socialist leadership.
  4. Challenging the Establishment from Within: The success in unseating long-term incumbents demonstrates that the Democratic Party can be pushed leftward through primary challenges, forcing a re-evaluation of its traditional centrist leanings. This internal pressure is vital to transform the party into one that genuinely represents working people.
  5. Building Broader Coalitions: While rooted in a clear ideological stance, the movement’s success depends on building coalitions with other progressive forces and appealing to voters across the spectrum who are tired of the status quo. The increasing rejection of donations from corporate PACs and pro-Israel lobbying groups by progressive candidates signals a commitment to genuine accountability to the people, not special interests.

Bannon’s recognition of the “democratic socialist wave” is a sign that the ground is shifting. It’s a call to action for progressives to double down, organize, and continue to build the power necessary to deliver on the promise of a more just and equitable society. The “old politics” may be gone, but the fight for truly democratic and socialist policies is just beginning.