WASHINGTON  D.C (VINnews) – Thirteen moderate Democrats are banding together to counter the influence of democratic socialists in their party, signing onto a new “Promise to America” initiative that endorses capitalism over socialism, strong borders, public safety and pride in the United States.

Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., is leading the effort, which aims to organize centrists who feel their views are not reflected in the current Democratic landscape, particularly ahead of key races.

“You know there are certain things that I believe in that are not being reflected in the current environment, especially with some of these races on Tuesday,” Suozzi said.

The pledge declares support for core moderate principles, Suozzi explained.

“As we said in our pledge… we’re for capitalism, not socialism. We’re for safety, not lawlessness. We’re proud of America, not ashamed of America — and we need to be promoting those things,” he said.

Suozzi, who along with Rep. Adam Gray, D-Calif., helped unveil the initiative earlier this month at the center-left WelcomeFest conference, emphasized the need for better organization among moderates.

“The far left and the far right, you know, they’re all very well organized. But those of us that don’t support those far left or far right principles need to do a better job organizing and getting our message out,” Suozzi added.

The “Promise to America” effort, originated by a new centrist group, seeks to rally candidates up and down the ballot around a “politics of persuasion over purity.” It positions itself as a direct response to the party’s leftward shift, including the rising prominence of democratic socialists.

Suozzi and Gray are the only House Democrats who flipped Republican-held districts that former President Donald Trump won in 2024, lending credibility to their call for a more electable, mainstream approach.

The initiative comes as Democrats continue to debate their identity heading into future elections, with moderates asserting that emphasizing economic opportunity, public safety and patriotism will better connect with voters in swing districts.