Democratic Socialists of America see membership spike after Ocasio-Cortez win

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) said its membership numbers hit a record high after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) stunned the Democratic establishment by beating Rep. Joe Crowley (D) in a New York primary race.

Lawrence Dreyfuss, program associate for DSA, told The Hill that the political organization surpassed 40,000 members on Thursday, two days after Ocasio-Cortez, a DSA member and first-time candidate, emerged victorious.

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Ocasio-Cortez, 28, previously worked as an organizer for the 2016 presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The day after she won the Democratic nomination, the group had 1,152 people join its ranks — 35 times more than an average day. The last time they saw a similar increase was the month after President Trump was elected, when six times as many people joined compared with the previous month.

Since November 2016, nationwide membership for DSA has jumped from 5,000 to 40,000. 

The Daily Beast first reported on the membership surge.

Ocasio-Cortez ran on a platform to the left of her opponent — the No. 4 House Democrat and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Despite defeating the 10-term congressman, Ocasio-Cortez defended him on Thursday after attacks from President Trump.

“It is unacceptable to be disrespectful of Congressman Crowley,” Ocasio-Cortez told CNN. “He’s done some phenomenal, phenomenal work for the Bronx and Queens.”

The previous day, Ocasio-Cortez said she would support impeaching Trump if she won the general election in November.