The Workers Party of Massachusetts is calling on other socialist groups and individuals to join it in fielding independent legislative candidates in the 2026 cycle, offering both campaign support and resources toward the effort.
In an August 25 statement, the party contended that the Trump administration has been waging a “war against the working class” which has only intensified since the beginning of his second term, citing concerns like increased immigration enforcement, rollbacks of diversity initiatives, cuts to social programs, and the impact of tariffs on workers “who are already struggling to get by.”
While critical of Trump, it put blame on both Democrats and Republicans for enabling the current system. “Neither of these capitalist parties can provide the working class with solutions to the systemic problems we face because both parties are the system and the problem,” the statement read, describing both organizations as “partners” in maintaining a system “built to uphold the capitalist system of exploitation.” As examples, it referenced bipartisan support for funding immigration enforcement, U.S. military actions overseas, and ties to Wall Street and the defense industry.
In response, the party called for socialist candidates to either run independently or under its ballot designation for the 2026 cycle, noting that filing paperwork would soon be available and that it is willing to assist with ballot access, campaign finance, and voter outreach. It also floated the concept of a broader electoral alliance, with a planned fall conference to explore the idea further. The party previously hosted a similar 2024 discussion panel.
The Workers Party continued that while it does not believe socialism can be achieved purely through elections, stating that it tries to be “realistic about the limitations of reforms won at the ballot box,” it still views campaigns as a direct platform to build socialist organizations. It also praised them as a way to connect with working-class communities beyond its current base, including in certain Massachusetts suburbs and cities.
“Our entire movement would gain from the experience of having a variety of approaches to independent socialist electoral activity and we can learn from each other as we move forward together,” the statement read. “We ask all socialist organizations and individuals to seriously consider participating in this effort to offer working class alternatives to the parties of capitalism at the ballot box.”
The Workers Party of Massachusetts was founded in 2020 and is a unaffiliated with any national or international socialist body. It has fielded candidates for several offices, including for the legislature and state auditor, It is currently registered as a political action committee. The Workers Party label is also recognized in Massachusetts as an official political designation, allowing voters to enroll under it, though they are otherwise treated as unenrolled voters.
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