Boosting Home and Stock Ownership Counters Growing Socialist Appeal in U.S.

The article notes that Democratic Socialists such as Abdul El-Sayed, Francesca Hong and Zohran Mamdani have recently performed strongly in elections, reflecting a broader rise in socialist ideas. It links this trend to a steady decline in homeownership, now at 65% nationwide and only 35.2% for those under 35, as well as low stock-ownership rates among low-income and younger Americans. The author contends that policies like rent freezes or a government 50% stake in AI companies merely treat symptoms while worsening the problem by discouraging actual ownership.

Instead, the piece urges policies that increase housing supply, streamline approvals, and provide first-time-buyer assistance, alongside expanding employee equity programs and retirement incentives. Converting underused commercial space into residential units is also suggested as a climate-friendly, housing-boosting measure. By giving more people a tangible stake in the economy, the author believes the appeal of socialism can be reduced.