Socialism now holds considerably more appeal than capitalism among Democratic voters, according to a new CBS News/YouGov poll conducted earlier this month. The survey found that 58% of Democrats viewed socialism positively, compared with 32% who said the same about capitalism. Half of Democrats viewed capitalism negatively, while only 18% held a negative view of socialism.

The results were different across the country as a whole. Among all adults surveyed, 46% held a positive view of capitalism, and 35% held a positive view of socialism. Most Americans also said a free-market system is good for the economy.

However, many believe the current system is unfair and that buying a home, raising a family, and achieving financial security have become harder than they were for the previous generation. That frustration appears strongest among younger Americans, as younger, college-educated white Democrats were especially likely to favor socialism. Half of Democrats also viewed the label ‘democratic socialist’ positively, while roughly half said their party is not progressive enough and should pursue larger economic changes in office.

These shifting sentiments could alter how Democrats campaign for midterms in November, as well as create a general-election risk. Democratic socialist candidates have defeated several establishment incumbents, while younger challengers have removed seven House Democrats. Those victories show that promises of major economic change can energize voters who see the party as weak or ineffective.

Still, the CBS poll found that most Americans still view capitalism more favorably than socialism, so the left’s embrace of socialist sentiments and candidates may be a tough sell beyond staunch Democratic districts. Republicans are likely to use the socialist label against Democrats in House and Senate races, including moderates who reject it.

Democrats themselves are divided over how to respond. Centrist figures have warned that socialism could alienate swing voters. Moderate David Crowley defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s much-talked-about gubernatorial primary, showing that progressive energy does not guarantee victory, even among Democrats. The midterms will be a good stress test of whether the party’s socialist wing can expand its appeal or deepen an ideological split that Republicans are eager to exploit.

The growing ideological debate within the Democratic Party may slowly creep onto your ballots this November, especially regarding the policies Democrats choose to emphasize. Candidates aligned with democratic socialism are more likely to support government-funded health care, public housing, and higher taxes on wealthy households and corporations, while moderate Democrats may offer tax credits, private-sector incentives, and assistance.

A stronger progressive bloc may press Democratic leaders to attach universal benefits, tougher corporate rules, and expanded labor protections to bills, while moderate victories could keep the party focused on changes aimed at attracting independent support.

The candidates who win midterms in November could heavily influence who Democrats run in the 2028 presidential race, specifically whether they adopt a more socialist platform or move back toward the center. Beyond the obvious influence this will have on economic policy and foreign relations, the direction the Democrats decide to take may end up alienating voters from the party.

The midterms will offer the first clear indication of whether socialism can win beyond heavily Democratic districts or whether it simply becomes an opening Republicans use to hold Congress and the White House.