Gallup Poll Shows Socialism Favorability Hits Highest Level Since 2010

A series of reports from Gallup reveal that 43% of Americans now hold a positive view of socialism, the highest rating since the organization began tracking the metric in 2010. This shift places socialism higher in public opinion than big business, which currently holds a 35% favorability rating. The recent increase is driven primarily by political independents, whose approval rose from 37% last year to 45%, and Democrats, 65% of whom view the concept favorably.

Significant generational divides define the data. Adults aged 18 to 34 are the most receptive, with 57% favoring socialism over capitalism. In contrast, 65% of those aged 55 and older prefer capitalism. Despite the rise in socialism's image, market-oriented principles remain strong; small business maintains a nearly universal approval rating of 95%.

This shift in public sentiment coincides with political gains for the Democratic Socialists of America, including the election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City. In response to these trends, the United States House of Representatives passed resolutions denouncing socialism in November 2025 and September 2026. While capitalism and free enterprise remain more popular overall than socialism, their favorability has declined from previous peaks, particularly among Democratic voters.