The Democratic Socialists of America are growing fast, and their closest chapter to Waxahachie is making real moves in Austin. The Austin DSA chapter added roughly 700 members in the past year, growing by more than half. Nationwide, DSA membership has more than doubled to 126,000 in just two years. That kind of growth is rare in modern politics, and it’s happening through unglamorous work: making sandwiches for people without homes, canvassing roughly 7,000 doors for city council candidate Misael Ramos before his arrest at a protest, and building neighborhood networks one conversation at a time.

The numbers behind the trend are striking. An AP-NORC poll found about a quarter of U.S. adults support democratic socialism, similar to the share backing MAGA. Gallup polling shows around two-thirds of Democrats now view socialism positively, up from 50% in 2010. Members like Nathan Fernandes, Mark Ramirez, and Clarisse Manuel describe the work as an antidote to doomscrolling. Chapter co-chair Meira “Gumbo” Vedros says their long-term goals are more of a rehearsal for a better world than a rigid blueprint.

Republicans are framing the midterms as a choice between common sense and communism, so expect to hear these arguments on your ballot and your TV screen. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or firmly opposed, the practical question for communities like ours is simple: how much does grassroots organizing actually move elections and local policy? Tell us what you think in the comments below.