Most Under-40 Voters Favor Socialism

Sept. 4, 2025

Support for socialist policies and socialist candidates is now a majority position among younger voters in America.

A new national telephone and online survey by Rasmussen Reports and StoppingSocialism.com finds that 53% of Likely U.S. Voters ages 18 to 39 would like to see a democratic socialist candidate win the 2028 presidential election. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of under-40 voters would not want to see a democratic socialist elected president in 2028, and 20% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Under-40 voters were asked to agree or disagree with this statement: “Major Industries like health care, energy, and big tech should be nationalized to give more control and equity to the people.” Seventy-six percent (76%) agree, including 39% who Strongly Agree. Just 18% disagree.

“This survey clearly shows that due largely to economic challenges, young Americans are increasingly turning to socialist candidates and radical collectivist policies,” said Justin Haskins, senior fellow at The Heartland Institute and the primary author of the poll. “The fact that three-quarters of voters aged 18-39 support nationalizing major industries is an incredibly disturbing trend that must be taken seriously. Clearly, socialism is once again on the rise in the United States.”