Socialists win and Republicans rebuked from Tuesday elections; chapter GBM this Sunday; free brake light repair this weekend, and more...
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is
produced by local members of the chapter's Publications Working Group. The Weekly Update publishes every
Friday at 9am. Want to fight fascism from the heart of empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism!
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
UP FRONT
Socialist victories and rebukes of Republicans dominate Tuesday election results; DSA-backed Frankie Santos Fritz wins Greenbelt election
Long-time DSA organizer Frankie Santos Fritz was elected to the Greenbelt City Council on Tuesday night. Running on a platform emphasizing workers’ rights and tenant protections, Frankie was elected with the support of over 60% of voters across Greenbelt. “Joining DSA was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it gave me a community to not just talk about the problems of the world, but to actually develop collective strategies with my peers to win historic campaigns,” Frankie said in a victory message to supporters. “I encourage you to consider joining as well.” Frankie, for whom over 120 volunteers knocked on over 17,000 doors, will join Maryland DSA electeds Gabriel Acevero (MD Delegate-39) and Shayla Adams-Stafford (PG County Council-District 5). Meanwhile, in Gaithersburg, Metro DC DSA-endorsed Omodamola Williams came up ~2,000 votes short in his insurgent bid for Gaithersburg City Council, losing to incumbents Lisa Henderson and Jim McNulty.
Up in New York City voters elected democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani mayor of the United States’ largest city, ousting the Trump-backed corpse of Andrew Cuomo and the nakedly corrupt Adams administration. The campaign, propelled to victory in no small part by New York City DSA, which led a year-long voter turnout operation, is perhaps the clearest electoral victory for socialists in living memory, and the Mayor-elect has not been coy about his left-wing associations. “I can see the dawn of a better day…” Zohran said in his electric Tuesday evening victory speech, quoting beloved Socialist union organizer and politician Eugene Debs.
In other states, voters delivered a repudiation of the Trump regime. In Virginia, centrist Democrat and former CIA operative Abigail Spanberger won her race for Governor, part of a Democratic trifecta in the Commonwealth that also saw victories for the Democratic Lieutenant Governor and (scandal-plagued) Attorney General candidates. Democrats also transformed the makeup of the Virginia statehouse, expanding their majority from 51 to at least 64 seats out of 100. In New Jersey, another centrist Democrat, Mikie Sherrill, was elected governor by a near 10-point margin despite having a nearly broken campaign operation; every county in the state swung towards Democrats compared to the prior election. Meanwhile, California voters approved Prop 50, which will allow for redistricting in the state that will negate Trump-led efforts to gerrymander red states. The results across the country reflect general disgust against Trump and his Republican posse.
Nationally, the Democratic Socialists were able to hold and expand representation in local government offices across the country. National DSA will be updating its list of DSA-endorsed candidates on the NTC’s electoral endorsement tracker.
With 2025 coming to a close, 2026 is shaping up to be another momentous year for socialists running for office. Those interested in local electoral work are encouraged to come out Saturday, November 22 for a happy hour where socialists will reflect on this year’s races and discuss the busy electoral season to come. Ten candidates across the DMV are seeking the chapter’s endorsement, so the outing will also reflect an opportunity for members to discuss chapter electoral strategy going into 2026.
Electoral victories lead to opportunity for socialists: Momentum set to build this Sunday at the chapter General Body Meeting and New Member 101
On Tuesday, the DSA proved that democratic socialism is a powerful political force to be reckoned with. Upcoming chapter events this weekend provide DSA members with the chance to keep the momentum going.
On Sunday, November 9, Metro DC DSA is hosting a DSA New Member 101 from 12:30 to 2pm, where new and prospective DSA members will learn about the different tools of the organization, how to participate in DSA’s democracy, and the different work members can get involved in. The session will end with time to speak with members of the chapter’s working groups and get plugged in to ongoing campaigns.
Right afterwards, Metro DC DSA’s hybrid November General Body Meeting will take place from 2 to 4:30pm. Socialists will hear updates from campaigns and working groups, and learn more about how to continue the ongoing work of the chapter throughout the DMV.
Finally, Metro DC DSA’s Program Development Commission is requesting member feedback on the draft MDC DSA Program Guide. Anyone with feedback on the program guide draft can submit their thoughts in multiple ways: by connecting with the commission in #programdevelopmentcommission in the chapter Slack (where members can find a link to the latest draft), by joining their recurring meetings on Wednesdays at 8:30pm, by submitting thoughts through their feedback form, or by submitting an amendment for chapter approval before the end of November.
Metro DC DSA holding a free brake light repair clinic at Brightwood AutoZone on Saturday, November 8 from 11am – 4pm
With collaboration between local police and federal officers ongoing in DC, the importance of building non-carceral systems of community safety has never been more apparent. TOMORROW, Saturday, November 8, Metro DC DSA is hosting a free brake light clinic in Brightwood Park as a way to build community support for getting police out of traffic enforcement. The clinic will be held from 11am to 4pm outside the AutoZone at 955 Longfellow St. NW, where volunteers will fix brake lights on cars for free. The process for fixing brake lights is simple and will help reduce community interactions with police while also being an opportunity to educate the community on legislation that activists are interested in passing in DC in the near future. Anyone interested in getting their brake light fixed at the clinic tomorrow can fill out a repair request form for the clinic or simply show up between 11am and 4pm.
BRIEFS
Baristas, unionizing, and solidarity — oh my!
Big things are brewing at Starbucks. Baristas from across the country are taking bold action, including a strike authorization vote, to win the pay, hours, and respect they deserve. Local socialists will be coordinating with SBWU to support workers in their battle for fair bargaining.
On Friday, November 7, from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) and the Metro DC DSA Labor Working Group will be leafleting outside a nonunion Starbucks in Rockville, MD, to inform customers of Starbucks management's bad faith bargaining and to collect No Contract No Coffee pledge signatures. Then, on Saturday, November 8, join the SBWU Solidarity Phonebank anytime between 8am and 8pm. SBWU is calling nonunion Starbucks baristas to share union updates, connect them with organizers, and help build power in their stores. There are no set shifts and no prior experience needed. SBWU will provide a toolkit within the next few days, a script, and live support throughout the day. Finally, SBWU is in the planning stages of a strike kitchen to bring hot food to baristas on the picket line. To make this operation possible, there is a need for cooks and drivers. Fill out the intake form here.
NEW in Washington Socialist: DC Council ignores resident's plea to stop ICE crisis
The federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department ended over a month ago, but MPD’s collaboration with masked federal thugs has continued. To address the ambiguity, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau organized a public roundtable last week to address the issue. Through hours of testimony provided to the DC Commission on Human Rights, residents revealed an unceasing tapestry of human rights violations committed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), MPD, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other masked federal agents, in violation of the law and due process. Community members at the hearing called on Brooke Pinto, as chair of the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, to address this public crisis — but its clear her office couldn't care less. Read reporting from Sam Dee and Leah T in this new article in Metro DC DSA's Washington Socialist.
Spread the word about public power and Make Polluters Pay — Saturday, November 8 at 1pm
Join We Power DC tomorrow, November 8, for an afternoon of wheatpasting. Help socialists spread the word on the evils of Pepco and the public power alternative. This month, canvassers will be joined by friends in the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) to put up posters for their new Make Polluters Pay campaign as well. All materials (and training) will be provided — just dress for the weather and bring friends. RSVP to wheatpaste here.
Metro DC DSA Street Team Monthly Meeting — Saturday, November 8 at 1pm
Join the Metro DC DSA Street Team at its next monthly meeting on Saturday, November 8 from 1 to 2:30pm at MLK Memorial Library, room 205-B, to learn how to build power and visibility for the chapter’s working groups at upcoming community events in the DMV. Organizers of all experience levels are welcome to discuss topics ranging from event coordination to talking about socialism and connecting prospective members to the chapter. The working group’s mission is to expand the chapter’s base and build a more democratic society by listening to residents talk about what’s going on in their everyday lives and connecting them to the chapter. RSVP here to attend this monthly in-person meeting.
March to support restaurant workers at Union Market — TODAY, Friday at 5pm
Starr Restaurants runs three Union Market locations and has been engaged in classic union-busting. Edens, the owner and developer of Union Market, gets richer while union-busting Starr Restaurants grows. Come out and march to demand that Edens and Starr stand with restaurant workers over profit. Register here for this action with UNITE HERE Local 25 at Union Market on Friday, November 7 at 5pm.
Support the food insecure and unhoused at the next NoVA Mutual Aid distro — November 9 at 11am
The Northern Virginia Mutual Aid Working Group will be hosting their second monthly distribution at 11am on November 9 at the Crystal City Metro — and every second Sunday of the month for the near future. Those interested in participating are welcome to bring anything they’d like to donate and leave with any donations they may need, no questions asked. Those with the means are also encouraged to purchase items from the working group’s wish list, or donate directly to the campaign's ongoing fundraiser — a one-time donation helps buy goods for the unhoused and food-insecure, while recurring donations help ensure NoVA MAWG can continue to hold sustainable distributions in the future. Capitalism is failing all around us, and socialists must rise to meet the occasion.
Along with the monthly distribution, NoVA MAWG also organizes a monthly fiber arts club (the next meeting will be virtual on December 6), a timebank/skillshare, seed swaps, and reading groups. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to post on #nova-mutualaid on the Slack or to fill out this interest form.
Join socialists to get the word out about abortion access — Sunday, November 9 at 1pm
Join the Bodily Autonomy working group on Sunday, November 9 to wheatpaste in preparation for their political education event, DC Abortion Access Teach-In. Please RSVP to get the signal chat to coordinate for each weekend. RSVP to wheatpaste here.
Then, on November 20 at 7pm, learn about Abortion Access in DC with the Bodily Autonomy Working Group on Thursday, November 20 at 7pm at the MLK Library and on Zoom. In partnership with the Political Education Working Group, the event will be going over their Abortion Access resource document that’s been six months in the making. Masking is mandatory. A happy hour will follow at Rocket Bar at 8pm. RSVP here.
DC Spanish Club for Socialists holding weekly meetup in Adams Morgan — Monday, November 10 at 7pm
Spanish Club for Socialists, a project of multiple area socialist and mutual aid organizations including Metro DC DSA, is a free weekly event where organizers meet up to practice their Spanish. The event is about 90 minutes long and is split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups, so learners of all levels should feel welcome. The next session is scheduled for Monday, November 10 from 7 – 8:30pm at Potter's House (1658 Columbia Rd NW). Sign up here for calendar updates and conversation guides.
Socialist Feminist Section happy hour — Thursday, November 13
If you’re looking for some community, join the Socialist Feminist Section for their November happy hour. The section will be meeting at Franklin Hall in NW DC from 5:30 – 7pm on Thursday, November 13 for conversation, drinks, and camaraderie. Free emergency contraception kits courtesy of EC4DC will also be available. RSVP for the happy hour here.
INFO ACCESS
The DMV continues to be under siege by militarist authoritarians. Want to fight fascism from the heart of the empire? We’re the alternative that works for people, not profiteers and their captive politicians. MDC DSA spans NoVA, DC and the big Maryland suburbs – yep, the “heart of empire.” Know more this way: no matter how deep your preferred dive into exploring MDC DSA, start with the hybrid New Member 101: Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America on Sunday, November 9, 12:30 – 2pm. Our anytime resources: You can learn about the Metro DC chapter — DMV branches, working groups, campaigns, current activities, and enduring values — right here. Members are encouraged to join our Slack for real-time info on working group and campaign events, strategy/tactic exchange, and inspiration. Email [email protected] with your most recent DSA dues receipt to get access.
Staying current with MDC DSA — Weekly Updates, like the one you are reading, are inboxed every Friday; current and past Updates are available anytime on our website. The MDC Dispatch is the chapter’s new video news series, published on the first and third Sunday of each month. Submit your Update or Dispatch suggestions (or DMV scandal tips) to our tip line. The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers in-depth analytical/opinion articles on a quarterly schedule; part one of the Fall 2025 issue is available now. Anyone, MDC DSA member or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to [email protected]. Members, look in on us or join at #publications on Slack.
DMV LEFT COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Vets say no: Take action to say no war on our cities this Veterans Day Stand with Veterans as they march, rally, and refuse to allow growing fascism to be normalized. Together say NO this Veterans Day — no to ICE, no to occupation, no to fascism, and no to cuts stripping away lifesaving services the veteran community need. Vet or not, come out on Tuesday, November 11, 12 – 2pm at Union Station. Sign up here.
Artists Against Apartheid Fest on November 15 & 16 This first-ever and multi-disciplinary festival will bring together artists, musicians, poets, DJs, and more from Baltimore and DC for a weekend of solidarity with Palestine. There will be a daytime market with nighttime sets and all proceeds go to a selected group of mutual aid organizations that support Gaza. Get tickets here.
Teach-In: Breaking the Duopoly on November 19 | Bol Coop On Wednesday, November 19, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, join Bol Coop at their new location in Brookland for a teach-in on breaking the duopoly. We can build space for a left political party in the US! Join them for a discussion on political parties: why a left political party is necessary to save democracy, why our current system is not really a party system, and legal reforms and organizing strategies that can help us build the political infrastructure we need. RSVP here.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of
interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media.
They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit
candidates at our tip line.
The Old Order Is Dead. Do Not Resuscitate.
Capitalism [historically] is a series of regime changes. Thinking about what unites them will help us better navigate the current reverberations and think more productively about the future. All these transitions, and perhaps the present one as well, were characterized by the inability of the old regime, in the face of economic crisis and rebellions, to reproduce itself. NYT Opinion
People Are Furious With Democrats. Bernie Sanders Knows Why.
“By and large—with exceptions, and each state is a little bit different—the Democratic Party [at its top] is mostly made up of folks who have money and consultants, and politicians who work with folks who have money and consultants. And so, if you look at how many of the “leading Democrats” function, are they out holding electoral rallies, talking to ordinary people? They can’t, because people aren’t going to come out—there’s not much to see.” John Nichols interviews Bernie in The Nation (prior to Mamdani’s victory).
Wage Stagnation vs. Living Wages for U.S. Workers Today
Far from earning living wages, most U.S. workers have experienced wage stagnation since the 1970s — a trend largely obscured by political rhetoric and misinformation. In 1973, the average nonsupervisory employee earned $29.15 an hour (in 2024 dollars). As of 2024, that average wage was $30.13. Over the same time period, the average productivity of U.S. workers — the average value of what they produce when they show up at work — rose by 150%. If these workers had received raises every year between 1973 and 2024 just equal to their increased productivity, but not a penny more, their average hourly pay today would be $72.88 an hour. Dollars & Sense via Portside
Review: How Jesse Jackson Transformed American Politics
Jackson’s presidential campaigns in the 1980s and the long-term influence of the Rainbow Coalition he led carried the flag for radical economic justice in the Reagan years at a time when DSA and other radical organizations were at or approaching a low ebb. “Jackson posed a direct and stirring challenge to both the Reagan reaction and the ‘New Democrat’ pusillanimity.” The Nation
The World Economy’s Centre of Gravity Shifts to Asia
The US has tried to use economic and military pressure to maintain a dominant position in Asia, but the rise of China and the region’s agenda have made it increasingly difficult. Tricontinental via Portside
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by
local members of the chapter's Publications working group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at
9am.
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention
all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of its chains, shatters them and stops inebriated to
breathe the breeze of a vast and free horizon. - Virgilia D'Andrea
Sent via ActionNetwork.org.
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