NYC DSA co-chair defends government-run industry, abolishing the Senate as Democratic Socialists eye 2028 presidential primary

New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Co-Chair Gustavo Gordillo defended several far-left policy proposals during a Fox News interview, arguing that the US Senate is “undemocratic,” government involvement in industry is better than private corporations, and American “imperialism” is to blame for mass migration.

Speaking with Fox News host Martha MacCallum following a string of Democratic primary victories by DSA-backed candidates in New York City, Gordillo discussed the organization’s broader political goals. The DSA has signaled it intends to play a role in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, advocating policies including abolishing the US Senate, mass amnesty for illegal immigrants, reducing military spending, and implementing a wealth tax. 

Gordillo said his family’s immigration from Peru was influenced by a poor economic system caused by the “imposition of capitalism and American imperialism,” saying that is the reason why many immigrants from Latin America migrate to the US.

He also criticized the structure of Congress, specifically the Senate. 

“The United States Senate is an undemocratic institution. It gives more representation to people in smaller states than to the 30 million people in California,” Gordillo said. MacCallum pushed back by noting that Congress, by design, has two chambers with the House of Representatives proportional to population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state.

The discussion also centered around economic policy, where Gordillo defended government ownership and involvement in industries that have been operated by private businesses. When asked about government-run grocery stores, a proposal championed by New York City socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gordillo argued that public competition could benefit consumers.

"If one publicly owned grocery store that brings prices down is enough to put someone out of business, then maybe they shouldn't have been in that business in the first place,” he said.

Gordillo also argued that residents of New York City are struggling with affordability and finding it increasingly difficult to build families and remain living in the city.

“I think that’s what happening now is people are struggling with the economic reality, they’re coming together, and they’re organizing for a new political and economic system,” he said

The interview comes as the DSA reportedly prepares to survey members on whom the organization should support in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. Following its recent successes in New York City elections, the organization has indicated it hopes to expand its influence nationally. DSA national co-chair Megan Romer has said that it is “really important” that the DSA is involved in the 2028 primary and that “It’s important that we have somebody saying sensible things.”