May 2026 Newsletter
This is the monthly newsletter by the Montgomery County Branch of the Metro DC Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (MoCo DSA).
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Take Action
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Our Electoral team has raised thousands of dollars and reached at least 3,000 voters on behalf of our endorsed candidates, Gabe Acevero, Josie Caballero, and Izola Shaw. But we need more boots on the ground! We’re requesting volunteers to (1) knock on doors, (2) host candidates in their homes or apartment common areas for meet and greets, and (3) coordinate and launch a canvass. Join the Electoral team by filling out the interest form and selecting the Electoral team.
- MoCo DSA and the wider MDC-DSA Labor Working Group are interested in doing more labor work at the branch level. Please fill out this survey to learn which unions and industries DSA members are part of, so we can determine which campaigns to prioritize and learn what kinds of labor work members want.
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Join us in demanding that Maryland’s State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) divest from Israeli bonds. As of December 2025, MSRPS holds $65.49 million in these bonds, which directly subsidize genocide and ethnic cleansing. Sign this letter to Treasurer Dereck Davis, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and MSPRS leadership so they know that Marylanders do not want to foot the bill for brutality and oppression. You can also virtually sign a postcard supporting the redirection of MSRPS funds away from oppression and towards Maryland communities.
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Preserve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. The Trump Administration is trying to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Haiti is overwhelmed by multi-factional violence from the national government, local gangs, and other paramilitary forces. It would be unconscionable to prioritize deporting Haitians, considering the conditions they’d be returning to. Ask your representative to force a vote in the House to preserve TPS status for Haiti.
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The Montgomery County Council is considering a bill sponsored by Council Members Kristin Mink and Will Jawando to levy a tax on demolitions and housing expansions to fund social housing. This legislation applies when a property owner tears down an existing single-family house and replaces it with a larger house on the same lot. This bill is gaining momentum!Use this action alert to ask your county council members to support the bill.
Upcoming Events
- Saturday, May 9th – MoCo DSA Monthly General Body Meeting. Join us in person at the Silver Spring Library or via Zoom for our monthly meeting to get plugged into the latest with MoCo DSA. If you’re brand new to DSA, this meeting is open to the public.
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Thursday, May 21st – MoCo DSA May Social. Come craft, hang, and enjoy the sun on Thursday May 21st at 6:30pm in Downtown Rockville! We’ll be making pipe cleaner flowers and enjoying some spring weather. Whether you’re a crafter or not, come by to enjoy some snacks and chit chat. We’ll be learning on the fly, so no experience required!
MoCo Briefs
Electoral
Our Electoral team continues to pound the pavement and encourage registered voters to support our endorsed candidates, Gabe Acevero, Izola Shaw, and Josie Caballero. MoCo DSA also held a successful fundraiser to support Gabe at the Germantown Library at the end of April.
Palestine Solidarity
We supported JVP’s Break the Bonds campaign to get Maryland’s State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) divested from Israel’s genocide by coordinating testimony at the Maryland State House in support of HB1455. Stay tuned for more information about a teach-in planned for May.
ICE Watch
Three important DSA-supported bills passed the Montgomery County Council in April! The Unmask ICE bill prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings, with limited exceptions, requires identification while on duty, and requires the creation of an online portal to report alleged violations. The Vehicle Recovery Act reduces barriers for families whose loved ones have been abducted by ICE to recover impounded vehicles. And the ICE Out Act prohibits all privately owned ICE detention centers in the county.
Interested in building a socialist future? Join DSA