Recent trends indicate a rise in 'sewer socialism' in various American cities, a term referring to policies aimed at expanding government programs for public welfare, such as affordable housing and public transportation. This movement is associated with politicians like Zohran Mamdani in New York, Katie Wilson in Seattle, and Janeese Lewis George in Washington D.C. These Democratic socialists are reviving strategies reminiscent of the New Deal era, focusing on public investment to address issues of affordability.
A 2025 Axios-Generation Lab poll shows that 67% of college students have a positive or neutral view of socialism, compared to 40% for capitalism. Additionally, 39% of U.S. adults view socialism positively, while 54% have a favorable opinion of capitalism, according to a Gallup poll from the same year.
Political strategist Jesse Lehrich noted that these younger candidates resonate with voters due to their understanding of affordability issues. The Democratic Socialists of America reported a membership increase from 100,000 in February 2026 to 110,000, with 172 nationally endorsed candidates winning office since 2018. The future success of sewer socialism beyond predominantly Democratic cities remains uncertain.