Inside the Calif. city where critics fear democratic socialists' hostility toward businesses big and small

Just 30 minutes from San Francisco sits the city of Richmond, Calif., which has quietly become one of the country’s most unusual political experiments.It’s a city where an activist coalition that includes democratic socialists has exercised influence over local government for years.From the outside, Richmond looks like any other working-class California city with a massive Chevron refinery looming over the shoreline and immigrant-owned businesses lining 23rd Street.

Politically, however, Richmond stands apart.The Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA), which was formed in the early 2000s, has played a major role in the city’s government for more than two decades.The group’s website states it was initially started to “challenge corporate power, oppose the Iraq War, and fight for fair housing and rent control.” Its influence has only grown over the years, leaving many Richmond residents concerned about City Hall’s relationship with local businesses and its openness to economic development.The RPA’s influence is perhaps most evident in City Hall, where Mayor Eduardo Martinez, who is aligned with the coalition and openly affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), leads the progressive-leaning city council.

Martinez has championed policies focused on environmental justice and reducing corporate influence.However, critics say that the city has become increasingly hostile to businesses overall, both big and local.“Richmond embraces elements of progressive governance, but like the rest of America, we are not defined by any single ideology,” Martinez told Fox News Digital.“We are a diverse community with a range of political perspectives, united by a commitment to serving our residents.

While we may disagree on certain issues, I am encouraged by our ability to find common ground on priorities such as addressing homelessness, creating living-wage jobs, maintaining a clean city, and ensuring government works for the people.”When...