Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar Cautions Party Against DSA Agenda, Labels Socialists' Platform 'Radical'

Representative Henry Cuellar has voiced a significant concern to his Democratic colleagues, asserting that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is leveraging the party as a temporary conduit to advance a far-reaching and what he describes as a radical political platform.

During an appearance on "Saturday in America," Cuellar contended that individuals running with DSA backing often conceal their more extreme policy proposals, instead presenting more moderate talking points to secure Democratic nominations and positions.

"They're trying to use the safe Democratic seats to run in," Cuellar stated. He added, "And they also know that the Democratic Party is inadequate, but they're using us or trying to use the Democratic Party as a vehicle so later they can set up their own platform."

Policy Stances Deemed Radical

The Texas congressman urged other Democrats to publicly distance themselves from the DSA's policy positions, highlighting what he characterized as extremist views, including proposals for restructuring the Supreme Court and dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"As a Democrat, I reject what the DSA is doing. I read their platform, and it is radical," Cuellar declared.

He enumerated several specific policy aims he finds unacceptable: "They want to ... get rid of the Senate. So constitutional changes there. They want to get rid of ICE. I reject that. They want to defund police. I reject that, reject also the constitutional items. They want to have open borders also. I reject that. They want to get rid of prisons. I reject that."

Cuellar pointed out that candidates aligned with democratic socialist ideals frequently avoid discussing these more contentious agenda items during campaigns. Instead, he observed, they attract support by emphasizing issues like affordability, housing, and the general cost of living.

"They’re trying to use the Democratic Party. They're not talking about those radical positions. They're talking about affordability and housing, things that sound good. But we as Democrats, we reject that radical faction," Cuellar reiterated.

He concluded, "They don't even have their own party, but they're trying to use the Democrat Party. ... I reject them completely."

Personal Experience and Recent Victories

The congressman also shared his personal experience with primary challenges from socialist-backed opponents. He recalled that the DSA and Justice Democrats collectively spent more than $20 million opposing him in two previous primary elections. Cuellar stated he emerged victorious in these contests by campaigning on platforms emphasizing robust border security and advocating for employment within the oil and gas industries.

"I defeated them, and what I did, I stood for Border Patrol, I stood strong border security, I stood up for oil and gas in a Democratic primary. And guess what? The Democratic voters in my district said yes and said no to the radical position," he explained.

Cuellar’s admonitions follow recent electoral successes by several democratic socialist-aligned candidates in significant races, notably in New York and Colorado. In Colorado, Melat Kiros, a newcomer endorsed by the DSA, achieved an unexpected victory against long-serving Democratic Representative Diana DeGette within Denver's reliably Democratic congressional district.

Similarly, in late June, a contingent of progressive candidates secured electoral wins in New York. These individuals received backing from New York City’s democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Among the successful candidates were Darializa Avila Chevalier, a fresh face who triumphed over influential Representative Adriano Espaillat, and Brad Lander, who defeated Representative Dan Goldman.