In a remarkable shift within the political landscape, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization significantly to the left of the mainstream Democratic Party, have achieved notable victories in several highly contested primaries. Given their presence in progressive bastions, these candidates are poised to secure seats in the House during the November 2026 elections.
This trend is not without precedent. Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure who identifies as a democratic socialist, has represented Vermont in Congress since 1990. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has been a key proponent of the movement since joining the House in 2019. Additionally, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani successfully ran as a DSA member in 2025.
Despite the historical examples, some leading Democrats express reservations about these leftist triumphs. Conversely, many Republicans and President Donald Trump have reacted by asserting there is a burgeoning wave of socialist and communist extremism that purportedly threatens the American way of life.
The term “socialism” itself is contentious, lacking a single agreed-upon definition even among its advocates. However, it’s worth considering whether the concept of socialism can be applied to some of the most valued institutions in the United States.
As a social work professor specializing in financial and well-being management, I’ve observed that Americans, despite their belief in independence, actually depend significantly on each other and the government—a dynamic I refer to as “interdependence.”
Even in North Dakota, a state known for its conservatism, socialist or interdependent structures are integral to community life, offering a formal framework for mutual assistance.
Understanding the Evolution of “Socialism”
Language evolves over time. For example, the word “slay” traditionally means to kill, but for younger generations, it also signifies doing something impressively. Similarly, the perception of socialism in America is undergoing a transformation. Previously stigmatized, socialism is increasingly seen by many Democrats and independents as a system with a robust safety net and a mechanism to mitigate the excesses of the free market.
Polls indicate that socialism is now viewed more positively, especially among Democrats. It is associated with the ability to afford basic needs and economic rights akin to those in countries like Norway.
The Decline of Capitalism’s Appeal
With many Americans struggling under capitalism, the growing acceptance of democratic socialist candidates appears logical. In November 2025, the number of individuals working multiple jobs to make ends meet reached 9.4 million, a record high since tracking began in 1994. Meanwhile, support for capitalism dropped to 54% in 2025, a decline from 60% four years earlier.
This trend may be related to stagnant wages failing to keep pace with rising living costs, with the benefits of capitalism mostly accruing to the wealthiest. Workers also face increased responsibility for funding their retirement and healthcare, complicating their financial planning. Additionally, unpredictable work schedules dictated by algorithms add to the uncertainty.
For those entering the workforce post-Great Recession, financial insecurity has been a defining experience. Many families are confronted with rising expenses and diminishing disposable income.
As benefits for low-income individuals are reduced or made harder to access, there is growing appeal for a stronger safety net. This sentiment is reflected in policy platforms centered on housing access, improved working conditions, and affordable utilities, which have propelled democratic socialist and other progressive candidates to success in recent primaries.
Socialism in Practice: North Dakota’s Example
Despite its rural and conservative nature, North Dakota has a chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Ruth Buffalo, who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2019-2022, was elected with the DSA’s endorsement.
North Dakota has a history of policies and institutions that could be deemed socialist, such as the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, founded in 1919. It offers a variety of loan programs to bolster the state’s economic development. The state also hosts Gate City Bank, a mutual bank owned by its members, and several thriving credit unions.
Jeffrey Anvari-Clark/Icelandic State Park Historical Buildings, Cavalier, N.D.
North Dakota’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and farming. To circumvent high transportation costs of sending wheat to Minneapolis for processing, farmers and the state established the North Dakota Mill, the only state-owned mill in the U.S., which supports the state financially by contributing 50% of its profits to public funds.
The state is also home to numerous cooperatives, which support various sectors such as agriculture, electric utilities, and fuel. These member-owned businesses provide economic benefits and opportunities, reducing risks for small business ventures.
Amidst issues like food insecurity and school lunch debt, many North Dakotans are advocating for state intervention—a socialist concept. A ballot measure with widespread public approval will be presented to state voters on Nov. 3, 2026, proposing free meals for all K-12 public school students.
Jeffrey Anvari-Clark / Icelandic State Park Historical Buildings, Cavalier, ND
Socialism by Another Name?
While many Americans remain wary of the term “socialism,” it often comes down to semantics. The label carries weight, but few would argue against the benefits these examples bring in terms of quality of life and prioritizing people.
For instance, millions of older Americans depend on Social Security and Medicare to avoid poverty. About 40 million Americans benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for grocery purchases.
Across the country, governments operate essential services like water utilities, fire departments, and public libraries, which promote community health, safety, and education. Cooperation for the collective good has been key to societal progress, and arguably socialist programs at both national and state levels provide opportunities to enhance quality of life through collaboration.
