As self-described socialists Zohran Mamdani and Katie Wilson become the mayors of New York City and Seattle, people need to understand socialism.

Rather than slogans or soundbites, this forum will focus on substance: Explaining what socialism is, how different socialist currents diverge, what policies they advocate, and how socialism addresses wages, housing, healthcare, labor power, democratic participation, policing, ICE, and foreign relations.

“This moment demands clarity,” said the event’s organizers. “As socialism enters city halls and public debate, people deserve to hear directly from those advancing these ideas—without caricature, fear-mongering, or corporate filters.”

SPEAKERS:

Richard Wolff (via video)—Democracy at Work
Kshama Sawant, Congressional Candidate/Former Seattle Councilmember—Revolutionary
Workers, Workers Strike Back
Sean Wakasa, Co-Chair DSA-LA —Democratic Socialists of America
Rossana Cambron, CPUSA Co-Chair —Communist Party USA
Val Carlson—Freedom Socialist Party
Jeff Mackler—Socialist Action
Lyndon Porter, Rocio Lopez—International Marxist-Humanist Organization
Lalo Vargas—Party for Socialism and Liberation
Matsemela Odom—African People’s Socialist Party

Cliff Smith, Business Manager—Roofers Union Local 36

Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Near Downtown Los Angeles (http://bit.ly/4sy3ET5)
Free and open to the public; donations requested.
RSVP required. Location details will be sent upon confirmation.

ABOUT LEFT COAST FORUM

Left Coast Forum is a movement-aligned political education and convening platform committed to serious dialogue, democratic engagement, and structural solutions to inequality. Its programs bring together organizers, scholars, activists, and the public to grapple with power—who holds it, how it operates, and how it can be transformed

Contact: Ed Rampell • [email protected]