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By
Carla Sierra
January 21, 2026
Summary
Political scientist David Crockett explains why San Antonio embraced Democratic Socialist city leaders before New York City and how their governing approach differs from that of traditional Democrats. Featured in the San Antonio Express-News, his analysis offers context for the movement’s growth and its implications for urban politics.

David Crockett, Ph.D., a political science professor at Trinity University, is cited in a San Antonio Express-News story examining how San Antonio emerged as an early stronghold for Democratic Socialists, electing city council members Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Teri Castillo, and Ric Galvan well before New York City chose its first Democratic Socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani. 

The article describes how the three officials have pushed progressive priorities such as fare-free transit, housing reform, and public utilities while operating within Texas’ limited municipal powers. Crockett underscores that Democratic socialists and many members of the Democratic Party aim to use government to improve people’s lives. "The difference is that a normal, run-of-the-mill, center-left Democrat is not anti-capitalism or anti-business," Crockett said. "They may approve of a higher marginal tax rate for people who are really rich, but they are not necessarily anti-rich." Read the full story here.