An official with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) argued Tuesday that many voters lost faith in the Democratic Party following President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE’s victory in 2016.

“Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden MORE lost to Trump and people lost faith in the Democratic Party,” said Megan Svoboda, a national political committee member at DSA, in an interview with Hill.TV.

Svoboda also credited the 2016 election for helping DSA create a Democratic socialist movement that is more representative of voters.

"If we’re were thinking long-term, we have to be clear that we are different than the Democratic Party," she said. "We want to be of and for the working class — not fighting for the interests of millionaires and billionaires as the Democratic Party is."

Following Trump’s election, DSA said it saw a surge in popularity, growing from about 7,000 members to 50,000. Progressive lawmakers and candidates have also leaned into the DSA label.

Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Why Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence MORE (I-Vt.), who was endorsed by DSA last year, gave a forceful speech in June defending the political philosophy, characterizing it as an extension of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal.

DSA also scored a number of victories during the 2018 midterm elections, backing Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Alexandria Ocasio-CortezWhy Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence The Hill Interview: Jerry Brown on climate disasters, COVID-19 and Biden's 'Rooseveltian moment' House Democrats postpone vote on marijuana decriminalization bill MORE (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib Rashida Harbi TlaibGeorge Conway: 'Trump is like a practical joke that got out of hand' Pelosi endorses Kennedy in Massachusetts Senate primary challenge The Democratic Party platform represents our big tent MORE (D-Mich.).

The group is now hoping to rekindle its success in 2020 and has backed roughly 100 congressional candidates.

Svoboda told Hill.TV that the group is especially excited about one candidate in Texas — community organizer and farmer Heidi Sloan, who is running to represent the 25th Congressional District.

“This is an incredible opportunity for DSA to really show what it means to elect a Democratic socialist — someone who is going to really fight for the working class once they are elected and join forces with other DSA members,” she said.

Sloan will face fellow Democrat Julie Oliver in the March 2020 primary. The primary winner will face a long-shot bid against likely Republican nominee Rep. Roger Williams John (Roger) Roger WilliamsThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Yoho apologizes for accosting AOC Ocasio-Cortez accosted by GOP lawmaker over remarks: 'That kind of confrontation hasn't ever happened to me' Cook shifts 20 House districts toward Democrats MORE, who was first elected to Congress in 2013.

—Tess Bonn