Harvard-Harris poll: 52% of voters view socialism unfavorably days before midterms

A new poll finds that 52 percent of registered voters have an unfavorable view of socialism. Only 25 percent view it favorably, a net rating of minus 27 points ¹. It is the first time a majority has been negative in the last three such polls ¹.

The October Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll surveyed 2,700 registered voters from Oct. 24 to 26. Its margin of error is plus or minus 1.9 percentage points ¹².

A reversal from September

The result undoes a small gain from a month ago. In September, 29 percent had a favorable view and 47 percent an unfavorable one. In August, it was 26 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable ¹.

The same poll gave Democrats a 4-point lead among general voters. It put President Donald Trump's approval at 39 percent, down 3 points from the month before ². The poll's co-director, Mark Penn, said a small majority believes Democrats can do a better job and disapproves of Trump's tariffs and foreign policy ².

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Republicans keep hammering the label

Republicans have tried to paint Democrats as communists and extremists, Newsweek reported ¹. At the party's September convention in Dallas, Trump said it would be a communist country if they win ¹. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the communists would be in Congress ¹.

Newsweek noted that no credible midterm candidate identifies as a communist ¹. Democratic socialism, as the group Democratic Socialists of America describes it, seeks change through elections and democratic institutions. It is different from communism ¹.

Political scientists told Newsweek the drop fits that campaign. Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University said the shifts likely reflect the "intensive offensive against democratic socialism" by Trump and Republican candidates ¹.

Voters are less settled than the label suggests

Another poll points the other way. An Economist/YouGov survey of 1,440 registered voters, taken Oct. 23 to 26, found 50 percent would vote for a democratic socialist and 41 percent would not. Its margin of error is 3 points ¹.

That poll also found 51 percent think capitalism is better than socialism, while 20 percent pick socialism. Another 29 percent were unsure ¹. Among Democrats, 38 percent preferred socialism, 25 percent capitalism, and 38 percent were unsure ¹.

Who is on the ballot

Candidates tied to the Democratic Socialists of America are running after winning several primaries this year. All three candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani beat establishment Democrats in New York congressional primaries in June ¹.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan is seeking a fifth term. Melat Kiros, who ousted Rep. Diana DeGette in a Colorado primary, is favored in the general election ¹. In Florida, state Rep. Angie Nixon is challenging Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who leads in most recent polls ¹.

The poll's real test is whether the Republican label attack spreads to tight races. Panagopoulos said the weaker view of the label could affect races like the Michigan Senate race, though he added that outcomes will reflect a broader set of considerations ¹. Polls can also miss, and this one is one survey taken over three days.

Voters decide on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The Record

1. Oct 24, 2026Harvard CAPS/Harris begins polling 2,700 registered voters; fieldwork runs through Oct. 26 ¹².
2. Oct 28, 2026Poll sponsors release topline results showing Democrats up 4 points and Trump approval at 39% ².
3. Oct 31, 2026Newsweek reports 52% of registered voters view socialism unfavorably, 25% favorably ¹.

Sources

1. Newsweek, “Americans Sour on Socialism Before Midterms” (2026-10-31). newsweek.com/americans-sour-on-socialism-before-midterms-126
2. Stagwell / Harvard CAPS-Harris press release, “October Harvard Caps / Harris Poll: Democrats Hold A 4-Point Lead In Midterms” (2026-10-28). valuethemarkets.com/news/press-releases/october-harvard-caps

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