Reykdal Calls MAGA ‘Fascist,’ Defends Democratic Socialists in Facebook Post

Are our schools political? Washington schools chief Chris Reykdal called MAGA “fascist” while defending Democratic Socialists on social media.

Katie Kresly

Aug 13, 2026 - 2 min read

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal drew media attention Wednesday over comments posted to his personal Facebook page about the MAGA movement and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Reykdal, who holds Washington’s nonpartisan elected position overseeing public education for 295 districts in the state, described the MAGA wing of the Republican Party as “fascist” and said it seeks to “take away civil rights” and “install a theocracy.” He contrasted that with DSA, which he characterized as supporting affordable housing, a fair tax code and accessible education.

Reykdal also argued that people associated with DSA today would have been considered “regular old Democrats from 1914 to 1980.”

The Highline Journal reached out to his office for comment, but they declined because it was posted on his personal social media.

Reykdal’s full Facebook post

I don't remember the media in 2016 wondering whether the fascist MAGA wing of the GOP would destroy that entire party, but they sure spend a lot of time perseverating on the idea that the DSA will destroy the Democratic party.

MAGA and DSA are not two opposite ends of the political spectrum. The former wants to take away civil rights, further hand the economy over to oligarchs, and install a theocracy. The DSA wants affordable housing, a fair tax code, and accessible education.

The Reagan/Gingrich messaging machine was so effective, that the massive shift to the right in this country has a lot of people believing that FDR-like Democrats today are leftists.

We will need another political realignment to recalibrate American politics and policy for the good of the country.

Hang on tight, 2026 is the baby step to 2028. And stop vilifying those who seek an expansion of the public good. These folks are not communists, they would merely have been regular old Democrats from 1914 to 1980. It's media construction that has changed, not the core values of traditional Democrats.

Highline Journal Comment Guidelines
We believe thoughtful conversation helps communities flourish. We welcome respectful, on-topic comments that engage ideas, not individuals. Personal attacks, harassment, hateful comments, directed profanity, false claims, spam, or sharing private information aren't allowed. Comments aren't edited and may be removed if they violate these guidelines.