DePaul Students Have Embraced Socialist Platform
Young Democratic Socialists of America candidates recently secured roles within the university's student government.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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DePaul University students are increasingly engaging with democratic socialist ideology, with YDSA-backed candidates winning student government roles for the 2026-27 school year. The local chapter has amassed 1,800 followers on Instagram as students organize around progressive policy goals.
Why it matters
Students are increasingly viewing socialist ideology as a positive vision for the future following the Covid-19 pandemic and the first term of President Donald Trump. The group aims to advance policies designed to lower the overall cost of living.
Current polling indicates 43% of Americans now hold a favorable view of socialism, up from 39% in 2025. Additionally, the Chicago DSA has endorsed six city council officials while recently withdrawing support for two incumbent alderpeople.
The players
Young Democratic Socialists of America
This is the youth-led wing of the Democratic Socialists of America that operates chapters at various universities across the country.
President Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Zohran Mamdani
He is a politician who recently won the election for mayor of New York City.
The details
The DePaul YDSA chapter has distributed petitions demanding protection for students from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Their broader platform, supported by the national organization, advocates for abolishing the Electoral College and the Senate, as well as defunding the Department of Defense.
Timeline
Favorability toward socialism reached 39% among Americans in 2025.
Student government terms for YDSA-backed candidates span the 2026-27 school year.
Chicago DSA has endorsed six officials for the upcoming election.
Political Context
The student activism at DePaul aligns with the broader Democratic Socialists of America platform, which seeks to reshape national institutions by abolishing the Senate and the Electoral College. Critics and opposing political factions argue these radical structural changes would undermine the constitutional balance of power and represent a fundamental departure from established democratic norms.
The increased involvement of student activists in local Chicago elections may influence policy priorities regarding student protections and city council agendas. Residents should monitor these upcoming elections as they may shift the legislative landscape concerning local cost-of-living initiatives.
The takeaway
The rise of socialist ideology among youth voters highlights a significant shift in political priorities following recent national and global crises. Supporters and detractors alike are watching how these grassroots efforts translate into tangible legislative wins during the midterm cycle.
What happens next
The 2026 midterm elections will serve as a key test for whether DSA-backed candidates can successfully capture seats from Republican opponents.
Further reading
Learn more about local political activism in Chicago Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The DePaulia.
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