A new poll indicates a majority of Americans now hold an unfavorable view of socialism, marking a shift in public opinion ahead of the midterm elections. The October Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, conducted from October 24 to 26 among 2,700 registered voters, found 52 percent of respondents had an unfavorable view of socialism, while 25 percent viewed it favorably. This results in a net favorability rating of -27 points, the lowest recorded since August.
The survey’s findings reflect a reversal from earlier polling. In August, the same poll recorded a net favorability of -21 points, with 26 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable. September saw a slight improvement, with a net favorability of -19 points, as 29 percent viewed socialism favorably and 47 percent unfavorably.
The poll’s results coincide with an active political cycle in which candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are running for Congress. This follows the election of Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as New York City’s mayor last year. Mamdani’s influence was evident in June when all three of his endorsed candidates defeated establishment Democrats in New York congressional primaries.
Republicans have framed socialism as a threat to the U.S. economic system. House Majority Leader Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated on October 25 that the 2026 elections are “different,” warning that a Democratic sweep could “end the free market system.” President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders have repeatedly criticized socialism, arguing it could “tear down the American system.”
The poll, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points, underscores the political significance of public opinion on socialism as voters prepare to cast ballots in the midterm elections.