Cost of living and party frustration drive rise of socialist candidates, poll shows
A new poll finds that Americans cite high living costs and dissatisfaction with traditional Democrats as the top reasons for the growing popularity of Democratic Socialist candidates.
Ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, a Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll surveyed 2,527 registered voters and identified the cost of living as the leading factor—cited by 29%—behind the rise of Democratic Socialist candidates. Discontent with traditional Democratic politicians follows at 15%, with younger voters (13%) and online political organizing (12%) also influencing the trend. Public-sector unions, activist groups (9%) and academia (8%) received smaller but still notable shares.
The poll also shows that 55% of Americans are uneasy about Democratic Socialists winning office, and a majority prefer living in communities without their influence. These findings come as the Democratic Socialists of America reports 171 candidates running, with 11 victories so far.
