• Majority of under-40 likely voters express preference for democratic socialist candidate
• Affordability concerns drive leftward shift among younger Americans
• Surprising crossover support emerges from conservative and moderate respondents

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — More than half of America’s youngest likely voters now express a desire to see a democratic socialist capture the White House in 2028, according to new polling from Rasmussen Reports and the Heartland Institute. The results point to deepening economic frustrations among a generation struggling with soaring living costs.

Young Voters Want Socialist Leadership

The joint survey polled nearly 1,500 likely voters between the ages of 18 and 39, finding that roughly half backed the prospect of a democratic socialist presidency. Just over a third rejected the idea outright, while the remainder expressed uncertainty. Pollsters conducted their research in early November with a sampling error of approximately three points.

The youngest respondents showed the strongest enthusiasm. Those between 18 and 24 expressed support at rates approaching 60%, while older millennials in the 35 to 39 bracket showed more tepid interest at 46%. Female voters outpaced their male counterparts by six percentage points.

“It is hard to believe that a solid majority of young Americans think democratic socialism is the answer to the deep-rooted economic problems they face.”

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Chris Talgo, editorial director at the Heartland Institute, offered that assessment while attributing the shift to what he characterized as ideological influence in American classrooms.

Affordability Crisis Fuels Political Realignment

When asked to explain their preference, respondents pointed overwhelmingly to economic pressures. Nearly a third cited the crushing burden of housing expenses as their primary concern. Others blamed an economic system they perceive as tilted toward wealthy older Americans and corporate interests.

An overwhelming majority across ideological lines agreed that housing affordability has reached emergency levels. Even seven in ten self-described conservatives acknowledged the crisis. Government intervention in food markets also drew unexpected support, with majorities of conservatives and moderates backing proposals for publicly operated grocery stores.

Traditional Party Loyalties Fracture

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The survey revealed a striking erosion of partisan boundaries on economic questions. Democratic respondents backed a socialist candidate by overwhelming margins exceeding 80%. Republican opposition remained strong at roughly two-thirds, yet a notable minority within GOP ranks expressed openness to the idea.

Most remarkably, approximately three in ten Trump voters from the 2024 election indicated they would welcome a democratic socialist victory next time around. Support among Harris voters approached 80%. Both conservatives and moderates registered support at 42%, suggesting pocketbook issues may be reshaping political coalitions.

NYC Mayor’s Rise Amplifies Movement

The polling follows Zohran Mamdani’s historic mayoral victory in New York City. The 34-year-old democratic socialist rode a wave of youth enthusiasm to defeat former Governor Andrew Cuomo by campaigning on rent freezes, municipal grocery stores, and free transit. Voters under 30 turned out at record rates during the primary.

Separate polling showed more than half of young voters nationwide view Mamdani favorably. His endorsements from progressive icons Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have fueled speculation about whether his affordability message could resonate beyond New York.

Family and Education Shape Political Views

The survey examined the origins of respondents’ political beliefs. Family members ranked as the dominant influence, followed by digital media and books. Formal education also played a significant role, with more than half recalling teachers who expressed favorable views toward democratic socialism.

Religious institutions showed a more mixed picture, though those who attend services reported their congregations lean slightly favorable toward socialist principles.

Will economic pressures push the Democratic Party leftward, or can establishment figures address affordability before younger voters demand more radical change?

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