MARCH 6, 2026
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by local members of the chapter’s Publications Working Group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at 9am. Ready to fight the Trumpocalypse? Join DSA, fight to win with a real alternative!
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CONTENTS
UP FRONT
MDC DSA hosting rally with Rashida Tlaib, Aparna Raj, Imara Crooms, and Janeese Lewis George — March 25 at 6pm
DC electoral fundraising deadline: socialist cash needed to beat capitalist trash
The Big Red Machine continues to knock doors — join socialists for this weekend’s canvassing
MDC DSA hosting rally with Rashida Tlaib, Aparna Raj, Imara Crooms, and Janeese Lewis George — March 25 at 6pm
ICE is still terrorizing the DMV, the Trump regime is launching wars of aggression, and DC’s billionaire class is redoubling its assault on workers. Now is the time to get active in DSA’s anti-fascist fightback. Join Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, DC Council Ward 1 candidate Aparna Raj, PG County Council District 9 candidate Imara Crooms, and DC mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George for a community hype event as Metro DC DSA ramps up its organizing as we head into spring. This is a great opportunity to learn about the chapter’s electoral candidates, speak to organizers about how you can get involved, and meet other people committed to building a better world. RSVP now.
DC electoral fundraising deadline: socialist cash needed to beat capitalist trash
If you have not maxed out your donation for both of Metro DC DSA’s endorsed DC candidates and you want to see the socialists beat the corporatist, developer-friendly political class, now is the time to donate. The March 10 reporting deadline will show the measure of a people-powered movement against the full weight of the capitalist machine.
DSA member (and former Metro DC DSA Chair) Aparna Raj faces down a packed field of political establishment figures in Ward 1. While the campaign has knocked over 10,000 doors already, the campaign needs your help to keep the engines going full throttle. Donate here today.
Long-time member and thrice endorsed candidate Janeese Lewis George is ramping up her DC mayoral campaign as she finds herself pitted against the establishment machine behind Kenyan McDuffie. Landlords and bosses will throw everything they can behind McDuffie; socialists, workers, and progressives need to show them that DC’s working class can’t be so easily beaten. Donate here today.
The Big Red Machine continues to knock doors — join socialists for this weekend’s canvassing
Socialists continue to pound the pavement in support of endorsed candidate fighting for public power, strong public services, an end to corporate data center givebacks, and more. This weekend’s operations:
- In DC: Metro DC DSA member, former chapter chair, and current candidate for DC Council Ward 1 Aparna Raj is running to bring the voice and governing power of the working class to the Wilson Building, with proposals ranging from a “ratform” to manage the District’s pernicious pests to public power that keeps bills under control. The Aparna campaign is launching two canvasses this weekend talking to voters in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, March 7, and Pleasant Plains Sunday, March 8. RSVP here for meetup locations. In addition, RSVP as soon as possible for the Bike Walk Bus PAC Community Forum’s straw poll next Sunday, March 15, where you can help vote for Aparna and endorsed mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George. Janeese, a democratic socialist, is fighting to make DC safe and affordable, and ensure government works for residents in all eight wards. The Janeese campaign has canvasses in every ward this weekend. Join her campaign at one of the canvasses at this link — RSVP here for meetup locations.
- In Montgomery County: Zola Shaw is a fearless advocate for working-class families, supporting DSA’s efforts to pass rent stabilization in Rockville and organizing the community to fight for minimum wage increases. Zola will be holding a canvass on Sunday, March 8 at 1pm in Kentlands Place (121 Kentlands Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878). Training, rides to doors, and buddies will be provided for those who need them. Gabe Acevero and Josie Caballero have been champions for public school teachers and LGTBQ rights, and are leading the charge on efforts to stop ICE in the state and county. Gabe and Josie will be holding a joint canvass Saturday, March 7 at 10am, from William B Gibbs Elementary School (12615 Royal Crown Dr, Germantown, MD 20876). Training, rides to doors, and buddies will be provided to all who need them. Gabe will be holding additional canvasses on Sunday, March 8 at 1pm and 3pm, at Stedwick Elementary School (10631 Stedwick Rd, Montgomery Village, MD 20886). All are welcome, including anyone new to electoral organizing — training will be provided for those who need it.
- And in Prince George’s County: Join fellow socialists to canvass for longtime chapter member Imara Crooms for Prince George’s County Council District 9 on Sunday, March 8 at noon — RSVP here. Imara is fighting for high-quality public transportation, responsive government, and development that meets community needs rather than lining developers’ pockets. Imara has been a leader in the fight against data centers.
The fight for true working-class power in government relies on rigorous research. Metro DC DSA will kick off its 2026 primary election research for REDBUG on Sunday, March 15 at 7pm. Join the chapter’s Electoral Working Group to begin regular research on local DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Northern Virginia elections. No research experience necessary; all are welcome. RSVP here.
BRIEFS
TONIGHT: a socialist party for Janeese Lewis George’s mayoral campaign — Friday, March 6
It IS time for a socialist party: On Friday, March 6, denizens of DC’s underworld will be holding a fundraver benefiting Janeese Lewis George for DC Mayor at Transmission, lair of DC’s punks, DIY, and underground creative sects. Enamored by Janeese’s platform to develop a city for all, local artists are calling everyone onto the dancefloor to party all night and raise the funds to build a DC For All. The event will feature two floors of live music and DJs playing club, house, techno, and more.
Beyond dancing, the event will feature organizing crash courses led by Metro DC DSA, live painting, and wider community tabling to awaken DC’s thriving underworld into political action. Democratic socialist Aparna Raj, running for DC Council’s Ward 1 seat, will also be in attendance.
RSVP to the party here — a donation to Lewis George’s campaign is your ticket.
Private utilities are breaking the working class — socialists are fighting back
Skyrocketing utility prices continue to rock DC’s working class, exacerbating the daily plight of area workers with exorbitant power bills. Socialists are fighting back, both from the streets and the ballot box.
This weekend, join We Power DC to put up posters around Brookland. Help MDC DSA’s public power initiative spread the word on the evils of Pepco and the much better public power alternative; socialists are aiming to make use of the latent anger against DC’s greedy utilities and turn it into people power. All materials (and training) will be provided — dress for the weather and bring friends. Socialists will meet right outside the Brookland Metro station this Sunday, March 8, at 1pm. Please RSVP at this link if you plan to attend.
Then, on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30pm, join DC Ward 1 candidate Aparna Raj and We Power DC at Sudhouse to learn how socialists can win public power in the District, win utility affordability, discuss why energy bills are so high, and see how you can get involved in Raj’s campaign fighting for working people in DC. RSVP here.
DC Spanish Club for Socialists is at St. Stephen’s — Monday, March 9 at 7pm
Spanish Club for Socialists, a project of multiple area socialist and mutual aid organizations including Metro DC DSA, is a free weekly event where organizers meet up to practice their Spanish. The event is about 90 minutes long and is split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups, so learners of all levels should feel welcome. The next session is scheduled for Monday, March 9, from 7 – 8:30pm at St. Stephen’s (1525 Newton St NW). Ask to join the group here for calendar updates and conversation guides.
DSA Latin Dance night — April 2
On Thursday, April 2, everyone is invited to attend the Metro DC DSA Latin dance social at El Secreto De Rosita at 1624 U St NW, starting at 6pm with an introductory Bachata dance class at 6:30pm, then followed by a night of Latin music. Whether you are taking your first dance step or call yourself a true bachatero/a, socialists of all skill levels are encouraged to come out for great music, food, and drinks. RSVP here.
Rent stabilization works in Montgomery County
Montgomery County officials are pushing back against the landlord and developer narrative that the county’s 2023 rent stabilization law has ‘destroyed’ the county’s economy. New data from the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs show that the County’s Office of Rent Stabilization has collected over $90,000 in rent and fee refunds for tenants after their landlords illegally tried to increase rent and fees. The Office of Rent Stabilization has also negotiated less severe rent increases on behalf of tenants, reducing rent increases by an average of 56%. This new report follows a 2025 report showing that the rent stabilization law decreased the number of properties on the county’s troubled properties list by nearly 70%. The Montgomery County branch of Metro DC DSA was a leading partner in the campaign to pass rent stabilization in Montgomery County and must fight to protect this law. Are you a tenant in Montgomery County? Check Montgomery County’s list of rent-stabilized rentals to see if your home is covered.
Comrades needed: Member Engagement Department (MED) seeking a Childcare Coordinator and Ward Captains
Are you in Wards 2, 3, 7, or 8? Interested in building community in your ward while getting your neighbors engaged in political action or to connect them to DSA? If so, please complete this interest form to be a Ward Captain. Each ward will have one or two Ward Captains to track ward membership, manage communication and outreach channels, and plan social events to bring together DSA members and non-members alike in their ward. Questions? Contact member-engagement@mdcdsa.org.
MED is also seeking a Childcare Coordinator to ensure chapter-wide events like MDC DSA General Body Meetings (GBMs) have the necessary childcare support on site so that DSA parents can fully participate in events. Contact member-engagement@mdcdsa.org if interested.
DC branch exploratory commission seeks Ward 7 and 8 reps
At last year’s local convention, members of Metro DC DSA voted to authorize the creation of an exploratory branch commission to explore the creation of a DC branch of Metro DC DSA. Any DSA member living or working in DC can apply to join the commission here — the chapter is particularly looking for members that live in Wards 7 or 8. No experience necessary, just a willingness to explore and evolve the structure of the local chapter.
Socialists, tenants, allies rally at Channel Square — take action in solidarity
Stomp Out Slumlords members, tenants, and allies rallied at Channel Square Apartment Building on Wednesday, March 4, against poor housing conditions and illegal retaliation for organizing a tenants association.
Rallygoers protested the arrest of Geraldine Cunningham, or “GG,” a resident of Channel Square who was detained and charged with “Unlawful Entry” after helping neighbors organize for safer living conditions and fair treatment. The arrest occurred on Wednesday, February 18, as tenants were gathering for a meeting to discuss building conditions.
“They thought an arrest would silence us. Instead, it united us,” said GG.
At the rally, speakers called for:
- The immediate dismissal of any charges against GG
- An end to retaliation against tenants for organizing
- Good-faith negotiations between tenants and property management about property conditions
INFO ACCESS
Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America, uniting the DMV, is one of a number of big urban DSA chapters — and many more compact ones within the country’s Blue AND Red corridors — that are building a true political Left across the US. As Trump, flailing, seeks Putin’s nationalist rush with an asymmetrical, bullying conflict that may turn on him too, ill-trained ICE paramilitary irregulars carry out his bullying style back home, infest and terrorize our cities, and layer white-nationalist fervor atop our everyday capitalist yoke. This is the terrain on which we fight back, gain allies, and, more often every day, win.
Want to fight fascism from the heart of the empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism! We’re the alternative that works for people, not profiteers and their captive politicians. MDC DSA’s chapter embraces NoVA, DC, PG, and MoCo. There’s organizational info on our Metro DC chapter — DMV branches, working groups, campaigns, current activities, and enduring values — right here. Get the full but concise picture at a one-hour virtual presentation “Why You Should Join DSA/New Member Orientation” Wednesday, March 18 or an in-person version April 8.
How is our activism grounded? See the rich archive of our acclaimed Socialist Night School. Details? Join an MDC DSA Reading Group. Members are encouraged to join our Slack for real-time info on working group and campaign events, strategy/tactic exchange, and inspiration. Email slack@mdcdsa.org with your most recent DSA dues receipt to get access.
How to stay current with MDC DSA: Weekly Updates, like the one you are reading, are sent every Friday — sign up here; current and past Updates are available anytime on our website. The MDC Dispatch is the chapter’s new video news series, published on the first and third Sunday of each month. Got chops and skills to bring to this latest video effort? Check in with the Publications Working Group (roles list here) or submit your Update or Dispatch suggestions (or DMV scandal tips) to our tip line. The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers in-depth analytical/opinion articles on a quarterly schedule; the two-part winter issue is complete now. Anyone, MDC DSA member or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org. Members, look in on us or join at #publications on Slack.
DSA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday
8pm – 3am | FundRAVEr Dance Party @ transmission
Saturday, March 7
10am – 3pm | Day of Action: Canvass for Gabe and Josie
10:30am – 12:30pm | NoVA Fiber Arts
11am | Labor Solidarity Wheatpasting in Spring Hill, VA
1 – 2pm | Wheatpaste for Narcan Training + Distribution Event
5 – 7pm | Game Night at PG County
Sunday, March 8
11am | Labor Solidarity Wheatpasting in Alexandria, VA
11am – 1pm | MoCo DSA ICE Watch Fundraising Canvass for Families Fighting Deportation
11am – 2pm | NoVA MAWG Monthly Distribution: Court House
12 – 3pm | Canvass for Imara Crooms for PG County Council
1pm | We Power DC March Wheatpasting
1 – 5pm | Canvass for Gabe Acevero
Monday, March 9
6pm | IWG Cuba Solidarity Meeting
Tuesday, March 10
6:30 – 8pm | Labor Working Group March Meeting
7pm | National Abortion Providers Appreciation Day – Social, Letter Writing and Silent Auction
Wednesday, March 11
6 – 6:45pm | Community Builders All-Hands Meeting
7pm | Repro Justice Campaign Meeting
8pm | Phonebank for endorsed MoCo Candidates
Thursday, March 12
6 – 8pm | Queer Section Social
6:15 – 7:30pm | NoVA Branch General Body Meeting
Saturday, March 14
11am – 3pm | Canvass for Josie Caballero
4pm – 6pm | MoCo DSA branch General Body Meeting
7pm – 10pm | DSA Karaoke Night
Sunday, March 15
11am | Labor Solidarity Wheatpasting (Ballston VA)
2pm | Metro DC DSA Internationalism Working Group March Meeting
3 – 4:30pm | Know Your Rights (TBD)
7 – 8pm | 2026 Primary Elections RedBug kickoff research meeting
Tuesday, March 18
6:30pm | People Power for Public Power
DMV LEFT BULLETIN
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” on March 7
Tomorrow on March 7, from 2:30 – 5:30pm at the Mt Pleasant Library, watch Irish filmmakers Kim Bartley and Donnacha Ó Briain’s The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, a film exploring the coup d’état attempt against Hugo Chavez. Suggested donations of $10 will go to mutual aid efforts on the ground in Venezuela and to migrants here in the US. RSVP here.
International Women’s Day Cultural Worker Showcase | DC Local 2 Global
This Sunday on March 8, International Women’s Day, join women & femme cultural workers as they showcase their art, music, comedy, and dance. The event is being hosted at Marx Cafe in Mt Pleasant (DC) from 6 – 10:30pm. Suggested donations of $20 will go to aid for Cuba. RSVP here.
DC Restaurant Workers Know Your Rights | Restaurant Opportunities Center DC
DC restaurant workers! Do you know your rights to paid sick leave or that you could be eligible for extended personal/family leave? Have you tried to get paid sick leave but are having issues with your boss? Know your rights and how to assert them! Join ROC-DC on Monday, March 16, from 6-8pm or Wednesday, March 18, from 1-3pm at the Festival Center in Adams Morgan (DC). Learn more and RSVP here.
Reel and Meal presents documentary of Ukrainian artists’ resistance – Monday, March 16
Reel and Meal at the New Deal presents “Porcelain War,” – “Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, the artists choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras, and, for the first time in their lives, their guns.” Free film showing Monday, March 16 at 6:30pm live at the New Deal Cafe, 113 Centerway in Greenbelt, MD or on Zoom – register here.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media. They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit candidates at our tip line.
David Harvey: Marxism can still change the world
While Marx famously proclaimed that our aim should not be to understand the world but to change it, he put an enormous amount of time and effort into understanding that which he sought to change. Indeed, his practice suggests that he believed it vital to understand capital in order to change it. The New Statesman tx 5 Leftie Links
Trump’s ICE Is Quietly Stockpiling Weaponry—and It Should Alarm Us All
In addition to staffing up at a furious rate, ICE and CPB are acquiring a vast cache of weapons from private contractors, new data reveals. This will not end well—or anytime soon. New Republic via Portside
ICE wants more detention centers in Maryland, but local leaders are fighting them
Battles over Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers are raging across the state this month. Howard County fought off a facility in Elkridge. Maryland is taking ICE to federal court over a Washington County warehouse. After reports of an office expansion in Hyattsville, Prince George’s is also on the frontlines. Currently a legal office of the agency, ICE’s Hyattsville location lies just blocks away from two churches, a child care center and the Mall at Prince George’s. Local leaders, advocates and residents fear the plan to expand it could entail its use as another detainment center yet, and have taken to the streets to show what kind of fight they feel needs to be fought. Capital News Service (UM J-school) via Maryland Reporter
The Iran War is also a climate war
The linkages flow in both directions. Wars unleash gargantuan amounts of planet-warming emissions: Russia’s war in Ukraine, for example, has generated emissions equal to the annual emissions of France. Those extra emissions drive deadlier heat, drought, storms, and other impacts that wreck livelihoods, destabilize economies, and spur migration, making armed conflict more likely. The British intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6 warned in January that climate disruption and biodiversity loss, if left unchecked, will cause “crop failures, intensified natural disasters, and infectious disease outbreaks…exacerbating existing conflicts, starting new ones, and threatening global security and prosperity.” The outbreak of any war is bad news for the climate. The climate effects of war make additional suffering – and more conflict – more likely. The Nation
Quit ChatGPT: right now! Your subscription is bankrolling authoritarianism
Open AI’s president, Greg Brockman, made a $25 million bet on MAGA to keep tech regulation in Trump’s hands. A boycott is under way and the writer says “As a historian, I’ve studied the major consumer boycotts of history. We can take down ChatGPT and send a powerful signal to Silicon Valley.” Open AI, he notes, quickly slimed into the Pentagon’s good graces as Hegseth was intemperately throwing Anthropic under the bus for being too principled for MAGA tastes. The Guardian
The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of the chains of its restrictions, shatters them, and stops inebriated to breathe the breeze of a vaster and freer horizon.
–Virgilia D’Andrea
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