The House passed a resolution condemning socialism this week by a vote of 220–192, with eight Democrats joining Republicans and two lawmakers voting present. Introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado, the measure also urged passage of the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections.

Republicans sought to put Democrats on the record before the midterms, as Democratic Socialists won congressional primaries in New York and Colorado. The resolution linked socialism to dictatorship, famine and mass killings, and declared it incompatible with American values and the Constitution.

The measure criticized Democratic Socialists of America's positions on noncitizen voting, abolishing the Senate, and replacing the two-party system. DSA representatives rejected the criticism as dishonest and argued that lawmakers should focus on healthcare affordability.

Some Democrats sought to remove the SAVE America Act language, but Republicans rejected that amendment. Others dismissed the resolution outright. Supporters described the vote as a necessary rejection of an ideology they blamed for poverty, repression and deaths under socialist regimes.

Republicans now have a recorded vote they can use to press Democratic candidates about socialism during the midterm campaign. Recent primary victories by democratic socialists give that strategy a concrete target, as voters decide which party should control Congress.

Yet the resolution combines two separate questions: whether lawmakers condemn socialism and whether they support the SAVE America Act. This makes a vote against it much harder to interpret, as some Democrats objected to the citizenship documentation provision. Their opposition alone does not necessarily mean they support socialism or even DSA candidates.

Democratic socialist victories in primaries around the country are sharpening divisions within the Democratic Party heading into the midterms. Candidates in competitive districts are facing pressure to distance themselves from proposals that could alienate moderate voters without antagonizing the left-wing activists they need to help turn out support.

Republicans are using the resolution to exploit that tension and tie Democrats to the DSA’s agenda. With the rise of socialism’s popularity on the left, it’s likely to be a major talking point heading into November.

The fight over socialism could influence which Democratic proposals survive beyond midterm campaigns. Candidates who win on promises of expanded public healthcare may push their party toward a larger government role, while moderates seeking distance from the socialist label could resist. For households struggling with medical bills, those disagreements could affect whether Democrats pursue sweeping changes or narrower assistance if they gain power.

Still, Americans' views on socialism and capitalism are complicated. According to a Gallup poll last fall, although Americans generally support capitalism more than socialism, especially among adults, support is slipping. Furthermore, support for socialism is much more prevalent amongst Democrats than Republicans, which makes for anything but a clear picture of how the Democrats’ growing socialist base will affect midterms.