Socialism just got a public thrashing in the House of Representatives, but not without a messy family feud among Democrats.
The Daily Caller reported that on Friday morning, the House passed a resolution condemning the “horrors of socialism” with a decisive 285-98 vote, revealing a stark split within the Democratic Party over this polarizing ideology.
This resolution, brought forward by Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida, didn’t mince words as it rejected socialism in every shape and form, including any related policies on American soil. Salazar, whose parents fled Cuba as exiles, clearly has a personal stake in ensuring this ideology doesn’t gain traction here.
“There is nothing ‘controversial’ about denouncing a poisonous, failed, and deadly ideology,” Salazar declared. Well, that’s a gauntlet thrown down if ever there was one—hard to argue with a woman whose family lived through socialism’s darker chapters.
Every voting Republican backed Salazar’s measure, though 20 of them skipped the vote altogether. Meanwhile, over seven dozen Democrats, including party leadership, joined in supporting the resolution. That’s a surprising show of bipartisan unity on an issue that’s anything but unifying.
Yet, not all Democrats were on board—far from it. High-profile figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, often seen as the torchbearer for the party’s progressive wing, stood firmly against the measure. Two others, Reps. Deborah Ross of North Carolina and Janelle Bynum of Oregon, couldn’t even commit, voting “present” instead.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries backed the resolution but played it coy when pressed for his personal take on socialism just a day before the vote.
“Strong floor, no ceiling,” Jeffries quipped, encapsulating his vision for America. It’s a nice soundbite, but dodging the core question leaves one wondering where the party’s heart truly lies.
This vote comes at a time when socialism’s popularity seems to be creeping upward, especially in liberal strongholds. A Gallup poll from September 2025 showed 66% of Democrats view socialism positively, compared to just 44% who favor capitalism. That’s a eyebrow-raising stat for anyone who values free markets.
Recent wins by socialist candidates in mayoral races in New York City and Seattle this November only fuel the debate. New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, is already floating ideas like a $30 minimum wage, government-run grocery stores, and free bus rides.
Bold? Sure, but with Governor Kathy Hochul nixing tax hikes, one has to wonder where the funding magic will come from.
Back to the House vote—Democrats eyeing Senate runs in 2026, like Reps. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Haley Stevens of Michigan, and Angie Craig of Minnesota, all voted “yes” on the resolution. Smart politics, perhaps, since socialism remains a tough sell outside urban progressive bubbles.
The numbers tell a tale of caution: 285 votes to condemn socialism versus 98 against. That’s not just a majority; it’s a landslide signaling that, for now, most lawmakers aren’t ready to cozy up to collectivist policies.
Still, the Democratic split is the real story here. With leadership and moderates on one side, and the vocal left flank on the other, the party looks like it’s wrestling with its own identity. Will they lean into a “strong floor” or risk alienating voters by flirting with ideas many still find toxic?
Salazar’s resolution may have passed with flying colors, but it’s opened a can of worms for Democrats. How do you reconcile a base where two-thirds admire socialism with a broader electorate that’s skeptical at best?
This vote wasn’t just a condemnation of an economic system; it was a litmus test for where America stands. The divide among Democrats suggests rough waters ahead as they navigate this ideological tightrope.