A new Washington Post-Ipsos poll reveals that 55% of U.S. adults would not consider voting for a presidential candidate identifying as a democratic socialist, while 39% indicated they would and 6% had no opinion.
The survey also found that democratic socialism has gained significant momentum within the Democratic Party, with three in four Democrats expressing openness to backing a democratic socialist presidential nominee—a trend that may influence the party’s strategy for the 2028 election. Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority of Republicans (88%) and independents (54%) ruled out supporting such candidates.
The poll comes as some Democratic leaders debate whether embracing more progressive candidates is the best path to regaining the White House in 2028. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is widely regarded as a potential presidential contender.
The Democratic Socialists of America reported over 120,000 dues-paying members across 220 local chapters nationwide. The organization advocates for policies including Medicare-for-all, higher taxes on wealthy Americans, stronger union protections, universal rent control, free prekindergarten education, and replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote.
However, Americans remain divided in their understanding of democratic socialism. Democrats tend to associate it with economic equality, expanded social programs, and support for working-class Americans, while Republicans frequently link it to communism, Marxism, or increased government control. When asked whether democratic socialism resembles communism, 30% of respondents said yes, 32% said no, and 36% were unsure.
Despite growing internal Democratic Party support, only 15% of Americans expressed a positive view of political leaders who identify as democratic socialists, with 36% expressing dislike and nearly half holding neutral attitudes. Younger voters showed the highest receptiveness, with 46% of those under age 30 indicating they would consider voting for such a candidate—compared to 36% of Americans aged 50 to 64 and 33% over age 64.
Educational attainment also played a role: 51% of respondents with postgraduate degrees would consider supporting democratic socialist candidates, compared to 44% with bachelor’s degrees, 39% with some college education, and 32% without any college experience. The poll further revealed that white Democrats were approximately twice as likely as Black Democrats to express approval of democratic socialist leaders, while Americans earning more than $100,000 annually were somewhat more inclined than lower-income respondents to consider voting for one.
The survey was conducted from July 8 to 13, 2026, among 2,648 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
Nicole Weatherholtz is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist who covers news, politics, and culture.
