A resolution in the House of Representatives to condemn socialism and support a Republican-backed election security bill failed to garner significant Democratic support, with 192 Democrats voting against it on Tuesday. The non-binding resolution, introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colo.), sought to denounce "socialism in all its forms," including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) movement, and oppose the implementation of socialist policies in the U.S.
The final vote was 220 in favor and 192 against. Eight Democrats joined all Republicans in supporting the resolution: Reps. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Don Davis (D-NC), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM). Two Democrats, Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), voted present.
Crank argued that the DSA platform, which he characterized as opposing the U.S. Constitution with proposals such as eliminating the Senate, open borders, and defunding the police, represents an "insidious movement within the Democratic Party."
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) shared a personal account, stating that communism in Cuba had devastated her family. "That is what they're refusing to condemn today," she said, equating socialism to "communism lite" and a precursor to communism.
The DSA has seen increased activity, with nearly 300 DSA-backed candidates running for office nationwide following Zohran Mamdani's electoral success in New York City. An analysis by the Brookings Institution indicated that 123 DSA-endorsed candidates had won primaries in the 2026 election cycle, including 19 for congressional races and five for statewide contests. Figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have supported socialist candidates.
Countering the resolution, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) defended democratic socialists, stating they advocate for policies like universal healthcare and childcare, contrasting them with "corporate greed." She accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for corporations over the needs of families and expressed pride in her membership in the DSA, adding, "tax the rich."
Several Democrats objected to the inclusion of language promoting President Trump's SAVE America Act, a bill they viewed as partisan and a distraction. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) called the resolution "stupid" and "insulting," arguing it ignored the pressing concerns of Americans. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), who has stated his opposition to the DSA, indicated he would have supported a resolution solely focused on condemning socialism but found this combined measure "not a serious bill."