Pantomime Leader’s Rise in DSA

It’s surprising how things unfold, isn’t it?

One prominent figure in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is David Jenkins, a key player in the ascent of Mayor Mamdani.

Last year, Jenkins, a theater enthusiast from Flatbush, secured a position on the DSA’s National Political Committee—essentially the group’s top decision-making body. His role involves directing the committee’s significant political objectives.

At 40, Jenkins, who identifies as anti-capitalist, also performs at the Broken Box Mime Theater, a group he founded in 2011. He often presents pantomimes, complete with dramatic makeup and a “heart-pounding soundtrack.” One glance at his personal website reveals striking images—him clad in black with a face painted white, and others where he creatively mimics various scenarios, including imaginative plays on themes like a zombie apocalypse.

When Jenkins isn’t performing, he possesses multiple skills, notably fluency in Chinese, which aids in pushing the party’s ambitious policies.

During monthly meetings, Jenkins and 24 other committee members discuss strategies, focusing on intensifying their fight against ICE. They also aim to persuade sitting socialists, including Mayor Mamdani, to support their initiatives.

Jenkins, who aligns with a more radical faction—referred to as “libertarian socialists”—advocates for the total dismantling of prisons and police, along with abolishing capitalism entirely. This often puts him at odds with more moderate members.

“While Jenkins might resonate with the more revolutionary factions, he also cares about electoral outcomes, making him a potential swing vote,” noted Stuart Smith, an analyst observing the group.

In a message to fellow members, Jenkins expressed admiration for Mamdani’s initiatives within the Department of Community Safety.

He praised the campaign as historic, emphasizing the teamwork involved in creating a public safety plan, stating, “The Community Safety Bureau is a vital step towards our abolitionist vision—it’s where we need to begin in New York City.”

His performances extend beyond the stage. Jenkins participated in a demonstration against police practices at City Hall, expressing strong opposition to the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, which deals with mass incidents. For the second consecutive year, he was part of protests during the police chief’s address to the City Council.

Jenkins reflected on the protests in a manifesto shared with DSA members, describing the initial demonstration as filled with “hidden lies” from NYPD officers. The culmination saw him and others escorted out while making their voices heard.

Disbanding the Strategic Response Group was a pivotal part of Mamdani’s campaign platform, and there’s talk of overturning it should Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch disagree, as reported by the New York Times.

During another heated discussion, Jenkins raised important questions, like “Where is the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene? Where is the Department of Homeless Services?” His words were part of an atmosphere filled with protests against the police, accompanied by the sounds of squealing pigs.

City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli humorously condemned the DSA and its theatrical representatives, remarking, “I guess they’ve been elevated from village fools to court jesters.”

Jenkins did not reply to requests for comments related to the article.