A recent poll in California suggests a significant shift in voter allegiances, with a growing number of Californians, including a majority of Democrats, expressing more favorability towards candidates labeled as "socialist" or "progressive" than those identified as "mainstream Democrats."
The University of California, Berkeley, conducted the poll, surveying over 4,000 registered voters between August 3 and 9. The findings indicate that 38% of Californians view the "socialist" label positively, with 58% of Democrats sharing this view. Conversely, only 16% of Democrats found the socialist label negative.
In contrast, the "mainstream" label resonated less, with only 29% of Californians reporting being more inclined to vote for candidates with this descriptor. This included less than half of Democrats. The "progressive" label garnered the highest support overall, with 40% of registered voters seeing it as a positive attribute, including 60% of Democrats. Only 29% of all voters viewed the "progressive" label negatively.
Poll director Mark DiCamillo noted that "There’s particular frustration among the younger voting population," adding that their views of mainstream Democrats are "not that positive, and that’s a long-term problem, I think, for the Democratic Party."
The poll's results emerge amidst an ongoing internal debate within the Democratic Party, both nationally and in California, between established politicians and members of the Democratic Socialists of America. This trend has been reflected in recent primaries where socialist candidates have achieved notable wins.
California's upcoming November elections are expected to further test the electoral strength of socialist and progressive candidates against the broader Democratic party. High-profile races in California could serve as indicators of this evolving political landscape. For instance, in Los Angeles, City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who identifies as a socialist, is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Several congressional races are also positioned as potential tests, including Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang's challenge to incumbent Congresswoman Doris Matsui and progressive-backed Angela Gonzales-Torres's challenge to Rep. Jimmy Gomez in the Los Angeles area.
However, the notes also point to instances where this trend has faced limitations. In the state's gubernatorial primary, billionaire Tom Steyer, who adopted an "ultra-progressive" branding, did not secure enough votes to advance past Xavier Becerra, who had the backing of many establishment Democrats.
Representatives from the California Democratic Socialists of America expressed optimism regarding the poll's findings. Misha Kesselman, who leads membership coordination for the group, stated that it is "incredibly good" to hear that California voters increasingly see "democratic socialism as a preferable option." Kesselman characterized the results not as a peak, but as a "great floor for us to start running from."