AOC won’t like this new discovery.
A new national poll suggests that most Americans remain unwilling to support a democratic socialist for president, creating another potential obstacle for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other rising progressive Democrats ahead of the 2028 election. The findings also highlight the uphill battle facing candidates who embrace democratic socialism on the national stage.
According to a new Washington Post/Ipsos survey, 55% of Americans said they would not consider voting for a self-described democratic socialist presidential candidate. Just 39% said they would consider supporting one, while 6% said they were unsure or declined to answer.
The results arrive as democratic socialist politicians continue receiving increased national attention. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani became one of the country’s most talked-about Democrats after defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez remains one of the Democratic Party’s highest-profile progressive lawmakers and is frequently mentioned as a possible contender for the White House in 2028.
Supporters of democratic socialism argue the movement seeks to reduce economic inequality by expanding government involvement in healthcare, education, labor protections, and other public services. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), one of the nation’s largest organizations promoting the ideology, says it supports a system that gives everyday Americans greater influence over their workplaces, communities, and government.
However, the latest polling indicates that many voters remain unconvinced. Only 15% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion of democratic socialist political leaders, while 36% said they hold an unfavorable view. Another 46% said they neither like nor dislike those leaders, suggesting a large portion of the electorate remains undecided.
For conservatives, the survey may reinforce the belief that policies associated with democratic socialism remain outside the political mainstream. For Democrats, the findings could raise new questions about which candidates and policy platforms will have the broadest appeal in a highly competitive 2028 presidential election.
Political analysts note that Ocasio-Cortez continues to enjoy strong support among many progressive voters, particularly younger Democrats. But national elections often require winning over independents and moderates, making broader public perception an important factor for any potential presidential campaign.
The Washington Post/Ipsos poll was conducted July 8 through July 13 among 2,648 adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.