Socialist Paradox? NYC DSA Trades Dingy HQ for $22K/Month Luxury Offices While Leaders Pocket $95K Salaries

The Revolution Gets a Real Estate Glow-Up

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is making a striking departure from its modest Lower East Side roots, opting instead for premium commercial real estate across the city. In a recent budget presentation, co-chair Grace Mausser announced that the organization will relocate to two newly leased offices—one in Midtown’s Hudson Yards and another in Bed-Stuy—with a combined monthly rent of $22,000.

The sleek interior of the new headquarters features modern amenities and high-end finishes.

The flagship Manhattan location sits on an entire floor spanning 5,150 square feet within a towering 14-story building at 315 West 35th Street. For $15,000 a month, members will enjoy a full-service environment complete with a doorman, 24/7 security, and a furnished rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. This luxury lease will quickly become the chapter’s second-largest financial commitment, trailing only the executive compensation package.

Tenants will have access to panoramic city views from the new workspace.

Compounding the irony for a group that frequently campaigns against corporate landlords and wealth inequality, the DSA’s new lease is with the Chetrit family, a prominent and controversial real estate development firm. The developers have previously faced class-action lawsuits from Brooklyn tenants alleging violations of rent-stabilization laws. Despite these controversies, the socialist chapter has moved forward with the high-profile relocation without public hesitation.

Alongside the real estate upgrade, the budget proposal revealed that both co-chairs—Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Mausser—will receive annual salaries of $95,000 each. The decision has already sparked debate among local political observers. Former NYC Council minority leader Joe Borelli sharply criticized the move, remarking, “Nothing says ‘we hate capitalism’ like sitting in a high-rise Midtown boardroom cosplaying as extras in Succession.”

The premium rooftop amenity underscores the upscale nature of the new headquarters.

The DSA plans to host its inaugural gathering in the revamped Midtown space on September 27, marking a bold new chapter for the organization’s operations in New York City.