Over the past decade, the rise of democratic socialism in America has been most acute in coastal states like California, New York, and Washington.
Read more Judicial Overreach in the Barracks
Generally, America’s heartland has refrained from embracing the democratic socialist grievance agenda. However, as the 2026 primary season heats up, we are seeing several democratic socialist candidates running for office in places across the heartland.
Democratic socialists are not just campaigning in so-called flyover states; they are winning.
In Pennsylvania, democratic socialist Chris Raab cruised to victory late last month in the state’s primary for the 3rd U.S. House District. He is virtually assured a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives next year, given that the GOP did not run a candidate in the primary.
In the Bluegrass State, democratic socialist Robert LeVertis Bell, who trounced his moderate opponent in the primary for the state’s House District 43, “is poised to make Kentucky political history” when he likely becomes “the first socialist elected to the Capitol in 148 years.”
In upcoming contests, democratic socialists are leading in primary races for the U.S. Senate in Michigan and Maine as well as the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado. At the gubernatorial level, they are also making inroads in places like Wisconsin, where democratic socialist Francesca Hong is the frontrunner for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Suffice to say, democratic socialism could be a political force for years to come in the American heartland.
If you are curious as to why democratic socialism is gaining popularity in the United States, there is plenty of blame to be assigned to institutions like public schools, Hollywood, and academia. Social media and the mainstream media have also aided and abetted the rise of democratic socialism.
However, I think the genesis of the steep and sudden increase in support for democratic socialism is foremost a sick culture, not failed institutions.
Odious ideologies like democratic socialism should be shunned by virtuous societies because the doctrine at the heart of democratic socialism is unethical, immoral, evil, and anti-American.
Read more Countering the argument for reparations
Democratic socialism, like nearly all iterations of socialism, is predicated on the absurd assumption that nearly everything in life is a zero-sum game. It preys on humanity’s worst impulses and most base instincts, like materialistic envy.
Instead of seeking to uplift and motivate people to reach their highest aspirations, it sets the bar for achievement low. Democratic socialism fosters mediocrity, undermines meritocracy, and disdains success.
I can understand the appeal in far-left enclaves like New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle, where the culture has historically been much more sympathetic to socialism.
But the rapid rise of democratic socialism in the heartland is a much larger concern because the American heartland has historically rejected the vile philosophy of collectivism.
Whereas collectivism and its attendant destructive policies have wreaked havoc on the East and West coast for a while, it has remained almost absent in states like Kentucky.
But that is changing in real time. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), arguably the most influential socialist organization in the United States, recently announced it is mobilizing hundreds of “chapters” to “prepare for a busy election season in 2026.”
In fact, the “DSA’s ambitious electoral agenda in 2026” includes nearly “90 endorsees, including more than a dozen congressional candidates.” What’s more, the DSA is opening new chapters in Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Florida ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
As America prepares to celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I hope more Americans realize that democratic socialism represents the antithesis of America’s founding ideals. Socialism is wicked, violates human nature, inhibits freedom, reduces prosperity, and has absolutely no place in the heartland of the United States of America in 2026 and beyond.
Chris Talgo ([email protected]) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute.
Read more Revoke all tariffs on Great Britain
