New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds the progressive side of that argument currently has considerably more pull among Democrats themselves. More than half (55%) of Democrats say they feel closer to the party’s progressive or democratic socialist wing, compared with just 22 per cent who identify more closely with its moderate or centrist wing. The preference is especially pronounced among younger Americans: roughly half of Democrat- and Independent-aligned adults under 35 gravitate toward the progressive/socialist option compared to the moderate/centrist one.
Party ID
Wing Preference
Positive or Negative — State
Positive or Negative — Wing
Movement or Threat
Methodology
›
Americans divided evenly between Republican, Democrat, Independent
A fragmented electorate, with Democrats holding a slight edge among leaners
As midterms approach, Americans divide almost evenly among the country’s three main political identities. Just over one-quarter identify as Democrats (27%), an identical proportion call themselves Republicans (27%), while another 26 per cent say they are independents. The result underscores a highly fragmented electorate, with no single partisan group accounting for much more than one-quarter of the population.
Those who do not identify as Democrat or Republican were asked a follow-up question, as to which, if any, they prefer. The largest group hold firm and say neither (38%), but three-in-ten say they lean toward the Democrats (30%) while one-in-five lean toward the Republicans (19%). After combining these two responses, we see the slight advantage Democrats have in a truer faceoff.
Democrat debate — Progressive, Democratic Socialist vs. Moderate, Centrist
A majority of Democrats now lean toward the party’s progressive wing
The Democratic brand is being heavily debated heading into the midterms in November and as preparations for the 2028 presidential campaign begin. Core among these discussions is whether more progressive candidates will be a boon or a hindrance for the party. The ascension of Democratic Socialists like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders before her has been bolstered by the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race. Others in the Democratic coalition, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have been hesitant to embrace this movement.
Those who identify as either a Democrat or Independent were asked which of these two broad movements they are more inclined to prefer. More than half of Democrats (55%) lean toward the more progressive wing, while one-in-five (22%) align with the more moderate approach. Among Independents, just one-in-five (21%) are drawn to the progressive wing.
The appeal of the progressive approach is evident among younger people, with half of 18-to-34-year-old men and women preferring it. Men aged 35-to-54 are also more than twice as likely to choose the progressive or DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) wing over the moderate or centrist wing.
Is left turn a positive or negative development for the party?
Views split sharply by the political complexion of one’s state
At the national level, Americans are somewhat more likely to view the growing influence of democratic progressives and socialists within the Democratic Party positively than negatively. More than one-third (36%) describe it as a positive development, while 32 per cent say it is negative and 16 per cent view it neutrally.
Views vary considerably by the political complexion of respondents’ states. Those living in Blue states are most enthusiastic, with nearly half (46%) viewing the trend positively. Sentiment becomes more negative moving into Republican territory: in Deep Red states, 39 per cent call the growing influence of the party’s left wing a negative development, compared with 24 per cent who see it positively.
| Overall, is the growing influence of progressives and socialists in the Democratic Party... | All (n=1,525) | Deep Blue | Blue | Purple | Red | Deep Red |
|---|
| Very positive | 17% | 18% | 24% | 12% | 16% | 13% |
| Mostly positive | 19% | 23% | 22% | 21% | 16% | 11% |
| Neither positive nor negative | 16% | 20% | 13% | 16% | 16% | 20% |
| Mostly negative | 9% | 12% | 7% | 7% | 9% | 11% |
| Very negative | 23% | 14% | 19% | 29% | 26% | 28% |
| Not sure/Can’t say | 15% | 13% | 15% | 14% | 17% | 16% |
Is left turn a positive or negative development for the party?
The sharpest divide is inside the Democratic coalition itself
Among those who say they align with the party’s progressive or socialist wing, nine-in-ten (89%) regard its growing influence as positive, including half (50%) who describe it as very positive. Democrats who identify with the party’s moderate or centrist wing are considerably more ambivalent: 37 per cent view the development positively, 26 per cent negatively and nearly one-third (32%) say it is neither positive nor negative. Independents lean decidedly the other way, with more than two-in-five (43%) describing the trend negatively, compared with just 14 per cent who see it positively.
| Overall, is the growing influence of progressives and socialists in the Democratic Party... | All (n=1,525) | Progressive/socialist wing | Moderate/centrist wing | Independent |
|---|
| Very positive | 17% | 50% | 8% | 2% |
| Mostly positive | 19% | 39% | 29% | 12% |
| Neither positive nor negative | 16% | 6% | 32% | 26% |
| Mostly negative | 9% | 1% | 16% | 12% |
| Very negative | 23% | 1% | 10% | 31% |
| Not sure/Can’t say | 15% | 3% | 6% | 17% |
An important movement or a serious threat to America?
Republicans see a serious threat; the progressive wing sees a movement worth empowering
The DSA has garnered significant headlines in 2026, and there are massive differences in opinion over what it all means. Among Republicans, more than half say the more progressive Democratic movement is a serious threat to Americans’ way of life. While they may not entirely agree with DSA principles, moderates and Independents are far less likely to say this. Three-in-ten overall (29%) say this is an important political movement.
About this survey
Methodology and downloads
Angus Reid USA conducted an online survey from August 8-11, 2026 among a representative randomized sample of 1,525 American adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum USA. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. The survey was self-commissioned and paid for by Angus Reid USA.
