Poll: Views of capitalism slip, but socialism is still unpopular as Zohran Mamdani gains prominence

The share of registered voters with positive views of capitalism has dropped under 50% for the first time in seven years of NBC News polling on the issue — a shift that comes as some democratic socialists, like New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, gain prominence in the Democratic Party

The share of registered voters with positive views of capitalism has dropped under 50% for the first time in seven years of NBC News polling on the issue — a shift that comes as some democratic socialists, like New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, gain prominence in the Democratic Party.

Overall, 44% of registered voters say they have a positive view of capitalism, while 28% view it negatively. That’s a dip from how the economic system had been viewed in previous polls, which showed slim majorities viewing capitalism positively.

There’s a stark partisan difference in views on capitalism, a trend that also plays out in various demographics more likely to identify with either party. Two-thirds of Republicans view capitalism positively, compared to 44% of independents and 25% of Democrats. Just 12% of Republicans view capitalism negatively, compared to 28% of independents and 45% of Democrats.

Notably, 39% of Democrats viewed capitalism positively in September 2024, while 34% viewed it negatively then — a 5-point net-positive rating, compared to a 20-point net-negative rating among Democrats now.

Voters under the age of 35 also swung heavily toward more negative views of capitalism over the last year, while Hispanic voters also swung in the same direction and are now effectively split on the economic system.