Socialism Favorability Hits Record 43% in Poll

Americans’ views of socialism have become more favorable, with 43% expressing a positive view in a recent Gallup poll, even as Democratic Socialist candidates remain a small share of those running in the midterms. Advocates say Democrats could broaden support by emphasizing economic populism and challenging the status quo. The midterms are also serving as an early test for potential 2028 presidential candidates: California Gov. Gavin Newsom has campaigned extensively for Democrats, particularly in the South, and backed a California redistricting measure that could help his party gain House seats. Separately, advocates called for action after an ICE agent shot a man in New York City who was not the target of an attempted arrest; the man suffered non-life-threatening injuries.