Opinion

Democrats' new-wave socialists are winning primaries but face a harsh reality in general elections

Charismatic younger candidates thrive in intra-party contests while most voters still recoil from the socialist label

By Howard Kurtz Fox News

Published June 23, 2026 3:00am EDT

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DSA-backed Democratic candidates campaign ahead of New York primary

The ‘Outnumbered’ panel discusses the rise of socialism in Democratic politics and weighs in on key New York primary races.

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The Democrats are lurching to the left. 

And having a fine time doing it. 

Socialism is no longer a dirty word. 

In fact, it's becoming the party’s calling card.

MAMDANI'S POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE ROCKS DEMOCRATS, DIVIDING PARTY ON PATH FORWARD

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed state Assembly Member Claire Valdez in the Democratic primary for New York’s 7th Congressional District. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images ; Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The atmosphere changed when Zohran Mamdani came out of nowhere to trounce Andrew Cuomo and wind up in New York's Gracie Mansion. 

Not only is he the city's first Muslim mayor and anti-Israel, but he is a self-proclaimed socialist.

Here's the problem: While that might be an asset in blue cities, it's a huge albatross in a national or statewide election.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST MAYORAL NOMINEE CREATES GROWING HEADACHE FOR VULNERABLE NEW YORK........

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