ANALYSIS
Americans continue to distrust socialism and democratic socialists
Regarding the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), 50% of voters have a negative opinion of the group, while only 22% view it favorably. Opposition to socialism also remains widespread among Americans.
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Although perceptions of capitalism have deteriorated among American voters—especially among young people—the majority continues to view socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) negatively, according to a new national poll by NBC News.
52% of registered voters have a negative view of socialism, compared to 21% who have a positive view. In the case of the DSA, opposition is also in the majority: 50% have a negative view of the group, while only 22% view it favorably.
The poll thus reveals a contrast: capitalism has lost support in recent years, but that decline has not translated into majority acceptance of socialism. In 2018, 52% had a positive view of capitalism and 18% a negative one. In the September 2026 survey, the figures are 48% and 29%, respectively.
The poll was conducted by NBC News between September 11 and 15 via telephone interviews and an online survey sent via text message. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points.
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Most also do not want candidates aligned with the DSA
Rejection is also evident when voters are asked about candidates who support the DSA's proposals. Half of those surveyed said they would be less likely to support a candidate who backed many of the group's proposals, while 31% said they would be more likely to support such a candidate.
Among other measures, the DSA advocates for wealth taxes and guaranteed universal health care. Raising taxes on billionaires was the highest-rated proposal among the 15 measures and candidate characteristics evaluated by NBC News: 58% said they would be more likely to support a candidate who backed it, compared to 24% who would be less likely.
Similarly, about half of voters said they would be more likely to support a candidate who favors implementing Medicare for All.
Opposition to socialism varies across generations
Among voters aged 18 to 29, the percentage with a negative view of capitalism rose from 22% in 2018 to 47% in 2026. At the same time, the proportion of young people with a positive view of socialism increased from 28% to 42%.
In fact, for the first time in nearly a decade of NBC News polls, voters under 30 have a more favorable view of socialism than of capitalism.
However, this generational trend is not yet reflected in the electorate as a whole: 52% hold a negative view of socialism, compared to 21% who view it positively.
Perceptions of the DSA also vary by age. While 23% of voters overall identify as supporters of the group, that figure rises to 41% among registered voters aged 18 to 34.
The poll thus reflects a decline in the perception of capitalism that coexists with a majority rejection of socialism and the DSA, while generational differences indicate greater openness to these ideas among younger voters.
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