Democratic Socialists Win 2 Primaries as 38% of Voters Back Shift Toward Socialism
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 16
Democratic Socialists Win 2 Primaries as 38% of Voters Back Shift Toward Socialism
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 16
Summary
Chris Rabb won Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District primary on May 19, and Los Angeles council member Nithya Raman advanced on June 8 to a general-election mayoral race against Karen Bass.
Those wins are fueling Democratic Socialists of America hopes that frustration with Trump, disillusionment with establishment Democrats and household financial strain can broaden their appeal before the midterms.
Fox News polling found 38% of voters favor moving toward socialism over capitalism, up 6 points from 2022, while 53% of voters under 30 preferred socialism.
The push still faces limits: DSA has suffered recent congressional losses, and Third Way says far-left candidates have not flipped a House seat from Republicans since 2017, while moderates have flipped 50.
Washington, D.C., is the next test, where DSA-backed mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George leads in one poll and drew a threat from Trump to 'take back' the city if she wins.
Can European models of municipal socialism offer a blueprint for American cities struggling with affordability?
When idealistic platforms meet political reality, how can officials achieve meaningful systemic change?
As AI reshapes political campaigns, how will it influence grassroots movements challenging the status quo?
2026 Primary Wave: Democratic Socialists Gain Ground Amid Party Tensions and Public Skepticism
Overview
The 2026 primary season marked a significant surge in democratic socialist influence, with key victories across the nation reflecting a growing appetite for progressive platforms. These wins have strengthened the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and inspired a new generation of candidates to campaign on similar principles. Notably, Robert LeVertis Bell’s primary win in Kentucky stands out as a substantial boost for the DSA and serves as a call to arms for those previously on the movement’s fringes. This momentum signals a shift in political energy, encouraging broader participation and challenging established norms.