Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Americans Split on Democratic Socialist Presidential Bid
A recent survey found that most Americans would not vote for a Democratic Socialist president, with 55% saying no and 39% saying yes.
Only 15% of people like Democratic Socialists, while 36% dislike them.
About a third of Democrats say they are Democratic Socialists.
Some progressives think these politicians are the future of the Democratic Party, but moderates worry they might push away other voters.
Republicans are using old fears of communism to try to pull moderate voters away from Democratic Socialists.
55% of Americans would not consider voting for a self‑identified Democratic Socialist presidential candidate, while 39% would.
15% of Americans like Democratic Socialists “a lot” or “a little”, and 36% dislike them “a lot” or “a little.”
Nearly a third of all Democrats now identify as Democratic Socialists, according to a CNN‑SSRS survey.
Progressives view Democratic Socialists as the future of the Democratic Party, but moderates fear the leftward shift could alienate moderate Democrats and independents.
Republicans are using a Red Scare narrative, portraying Democratic Socialists as communists to drive moderate voters toward the Republican side.
- Who
- Americans
- What
- Public opinion on Democratic Socialists as presidential candidates
- When
- Recent survey
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To gauge support for Democratic Socialists and assess political implications
- Survey Source
- Washington Post/Ipsos
- Support for Democratic Socialist candidate
- 39%
- Opposition to Democratic Socialist candidate
- 55%
- Percentage of Democrats identifying as Democratic Socialists
- ≈33%
- Public attitude: like
- 15%
- Public attitude: dislike
- 36%