The Democratic Socialists of America is seeking to reshape some of the most basic features of the U.S.economy — from who owns major corporations to how long Americans work and whether families pay for healthcare, college and housing.The agenda is drawing renewed scrutiny after DSA-backed candidates gained ground in the 2026 midterm primaries and progressive socialism became a central Republican target at the GOP's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas.Below are some of the biggest economic proposals in the platform.The Democratic Socialists of America says major corporations and key industries should be publicly owned rather than privately controlled.
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)DSA calls for public ownership of major corporations and essential industries, arguing public ownership would give Americans greater democratic control over the economy.Adam Lehodey, a policy expert at the Manhattan Institute, said nationalizing major corporations would cost billions of dollars and shift accountability from customers to government officials.'WASTEFUL DISTRACTION': EXPERTS SLAM MAMDANI'S TAXPAYER-FUNDED STORESHe argued nationalized industries have historically suffered from waste, corruption and lower productivity, adding that reducing regulations would be a better way to encourage competition.The Democratic Socialists of America says full-time employees should work 32 hours a week without a reduction in pay or benefits.(iStock)DSA also wants to establish a 32-hour workweek without reducing workers' pay or benefits, effectively giving full-time employees an additional day away from work while preserving their compensation.The proposal is paired with a living minimum wage, paid family leave and stronger protections for workers to form unions and strike.TRUMP DANGLES $5,000 CHECKS AS DEBT SURGES — BUT ONLY IF GOP CAN CLEAR MAJOR MIDTERM HURDLEThe agenda does not explain how a shorter workweek would be implemented across industries or how businesses would be expected to ...