Democrats Try to Remove Socialist Candidates from Ballots in Pennsylvania

The Democratic Party is intensifying efforts to remove a fringe socialist candidate from ballots in crucial swing states, launching legal challenges in Pennsylvania against Claudia De La Cruz and her running mate, Karina Garcia, from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL). The initiative, spearheaded by the political action committee ClearChoice, is backed by prominent Democratic donors, including venture capitalist Ronald Conway and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. The party is particularly concerned about the potential impact of leftist voters on the upcoming election, fearing that even a small percentage could jeopardize their chances against Republican candidates. Democratic insiders emphasize the importance of consolidating votes, especially in a tightly contested race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. One anonymous source highlighted the risks of losing even a fraction of votes to third-party candidates, stating, “You just can’t take any risks if you’re a Democrat.” Meanwhile, a similar legal challenge is underway in Georgia, where De La Cruz has reportedly met the requirements to appear on the ballot, despite Democratic opposition. De La Cruz has criticized the Democratic Party's actions, claiming they are undermining democracy by attempting to limit voter choices. She argues that many Americans are seeking alternatives to the traditional two-party system, which she accuses of serving corporate interests. The PSL, which has raised over $235,000, advocates for radical changes, including nationalizing major corporations and ending U.S. aid to Israel. The PSL is set to appear on ballots in several states, including California and South Carolina, and is actively seeking access in more than a dozen others, signaling a growing presence in the political landscape.