Challenges Facing Democratic Socialist Candidates in Upholding the U.S. Constitution

Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist candidate for Wisconsin governor, addressed voters at a retirement home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have recently experienced electoral success, and they aspire to continue this trend. Their goal is to win enough elections to implement their political agenda. However, the complexity arises because their political platform conflicts with key components of the U.S. Constitution. This conflict raises questions about their ability to take the oath of office truthfully.

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution mandates that members of the House and Senate, along with executive and judicial officers, take an oath of office. The Constitution simply states they are “bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.” The original oath, adopted in 1789, was straightforward: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States.”

Following the Civil War, the oath was expanded to include a promise that officeholders neither took up arms against the U.S., but this addition was later removed. The current version, unchanged since 1966, states: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

The consistent element of these oaths has been the commitment to “support and defend the Constitution.” Elected representatives must also sign an oath for the record. This oath poses a challenge for members of the DSA, as their platform suggests an intention to replace the current constitutional framework with a new system.

The DSA’s intent, by their platform, involves altering foundational aspects of the Constitution rather than amending it through traditional means. Though amendments have been proposed throughout U.S. history, and 27 have been ratified, the DSA plan to transform the Constitution entirely. Notable ideas in their platform include abolishing the Electoral College and restructuring the roles of the President and Supreme Court to be appointed by and answerable to Congress, rather than maintaining separate, balanced branches of government.

Moreover, their proposals call for significant changes to Article I by expanding the House of Representatives, implementing proportional representation, and abolishing the Senate. Notably, Article V of the Constitution prohibits states from losing equal representation in the Senate without their consent, even through constitutional amendments.

Consequently, candidates endorsing these changes face the issue of swearing to uphold a Constitution they plan to overhaul. Despite Congressional power to exclude members by majority vote, it appears unlikely any newly elected democratic socialist would be prevented from taking the oath. However, Congressional leaders, the media, and voters have the authority to hold these politicians accountable by questioning their commitments to the Constitution.

Merrill Matthews is the Texas state chair of Our Republican Legacy. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.