Black voters may determine whether Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) can build on breakthroughs in the 2026 elections.

Why it matters: This year's primaries showed that DSA's path runs through older Black voters who wield enormous influence in Democratic primaries — particularly in the South — but have been slower to embrace insurgent candidates.

By the numbers: Black Democrats are more likely to like than dislike leaders who identify as democratic socialists, but nearly two-thirds remain neutral toward them.

21% of Black Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents told Pew Research Center they like such leaders, compared with 11% who dislike them. Another 65% were neutral.

Among Black Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, 23% of those ages 18–49 like leaders who identify as democratic socialists, compared with 20% of those 50 and older.

State of play: Angie Nixon's upset win in Florida's Democratic U.S.…