Gallup released its latest August poll indicating a historic rise in favorable opinions of socialism. For the first time since 2010, 43% of respondents said they have a positive view of socialism, up from 37% in 2025.
Partisan and age breakdown
The poll shows the increase is largely among Democrats, with 65% now viewing socialism positively, compared with just 14% of Republicans. Independents also moved sharply, rising from 37% in 2025 to 45% this year.
Age groups diverge sharply. Adults aged 18‑34 view socialism more positively than capitalism (57% vs. 43%). Those 55 and older favor capitalism (65% to 34% for socialism). Adults 35‑54 rate the two systems about equally.
Other economic systems lose favor
Support for big business fell 14 points since 2010, free enterprise dropped 9 points, and capitalism slipped 6 points. In contrast, small business remains steady, with no loss of support.
Expert commentary
Costas Panagopoulos, a political‑science professor at Northeastern University, said independents are turning to socialism because they feel “betrayed, overlooked or neglected by modern American capitalism.”
Policy implications
Third‑Way senior political advisor Lucas Holtz cautioned that the poll does not signal a wholesale embrace of socialist policies. He noted that when voters are asked about specific proposals—such as abolishing police and prisons or ending immigration detention—support drops dramatically, indicating a preference for “capitalism with guardrails” rather than full‑scale socialism.
Broader context
The findings arrive as more candidates identifying as democratic socialists win primary contests in several states, including New York City’s recent mayoral and congressional primaries.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
