Super PACs Weaken Democrats' Grip on DSA After 2010 Citizens United

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 10

Democrats can no longer effectively police or contain the Democratic Socialists of America, which the report says is using Democratic ballot lines and outside money to reshape the party from within.
2010's Citizens United ruling shifted campaign power from party committees to super PACs, allowing unlimited independent spending that can outweigh traditional party fundraising, endorsements and primary influence.
Zohran Mamdani's New York mayoral win is cited as a case study: New Yorkers for Lower Costs raised nearly $2 million, including a $250,000 donation from Elizabeth Simons, to back his campaign.
That financing model leaves the DNC weaker as Democrats head toward the midterms, with the party described as cash-strapped even as allied super PACs remain central to campaign strategy.
The broader effect is a long-term erosion of party control: DSA figures such as Mamdani and Bernie Sanders can run as Democrats while pushing the party's identity further left.