Mayoral candidate Eduardo Martinez is a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist.

According to Wikipedia, “Democratic socialism is a left-wing political philosophy that supports political democracy and some form of a socially owned economy, with a particular emphasis on economic democracy, workplace democracy, and workers' self-management within a market socialist economy, or an alternative form of decentralized planned socialist economy. Democratic socialists argue that capitalism is inherently incompatible with the values of freedom, equality, and solidarity and that these ideals can only be achieved through the realization of a socialist society. Although most democratic socialists seek a gradual transition to socialism,  democratic socialism can support either revolutionary or reformist politics as means to establish socialism.”

Following are some highlights from Martinez’ responses to an endorsement questionnaire from the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America:

• “I’m a democratic socialist...”
• I will clearly state that I am a progressive and have no issue stating that I am a member of DSA [Democratic Socialists of America].
• “My hope is that campaign activities will be collaborative between EBDSA [East Bay Democratic Socialists of America] and the Richmond Progressive Alliance— and this is a partnership that our campaign team and individual members of the DSA have already begun forging, to our great excitement. I completely support canvassers campaigning openly as DSA.”
• “EBDSA has been working to build its base in Richmond. I believe my campaign would serve as a conduit for allied community members to engage with EBDSA on other campaigns and projects. 
• “I will need to appeal to a broad base of voters in order to be elected. I expect my support will primarily come from left-leaning voters..”
• “I subscribe to the framework of co-governance, in which grassroots movements and politicians collaborate on policy-building and exercising political power.”
• “Any public good on which people’s lives depend should be publicly owned…”
• Question: Do you commit to reducing budgets for police, prisons, and other carceral institutions and reallocating that money to social services and alternative programs for building community safety (like violence interrupters and mental health crisis responders)? If not, why not? If so, talk specifically about where this money should go. “Yes, and I have already voted for these proposals while serving as a Richmond City Council member.”
• “Yes, I will support all legislation requiring building owners to negotiate with tenant unions.”

The East Bay Democratic Socialists of America are also endorsing Jamin Purcell, running for City Council is District 4.