House Lawmakers Condemn Socialism in Divided Vote

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted 220-192 to condemn all forms of socialism amid its rising popularity, with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans in support.

The non-binding resolution passed with nearly every Republican voting in its favor. Eight Democrats, including Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), joined their Republican colleagues, while 11 Democrats did not vote at all.

“The House of Representatives condemns and denounces socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States,” the resolution read.

The rise of democratic socialism, although not a new concept, has gained popularity in recent months with the success of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) and United States Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI). Other progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have also contributed to the movement’s growing influence.

Several progressive and democratic socialist candidates have also defeated establishment-backed Democrats in recent primary elections in states including Michigan and Florida, signaling the movement's growing influence ahead of the midterm elections.

The author of the bill, Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO), said it was “imperative” Congress “recommit” to the Constitution and push back on this rise of socialism before it’s too late.

"The vast majority of Democrats voted against my resolution to condemn socialism in all its forms,” Rep. Crank said. “Ten to fifteen years ago, a resolution like this would've passed the House unanimously.”

Some members have credited this shift to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a political and activist organization and the largest socialist organization in the country.

“The DSA is a threat to the American values that make our nation great,” Rep. Crank said. “This evening's vote showed who stands for freedom, and others who stand with socialism."

But some Democrats are less concerned about the shift in their party, like Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX).

“At base, we all believe in a set of shared values,” Rep. Menefee said in an interview with Texas Politics. “[We all believe] in the strength of the Constitution, and that every single person is created equal and that our government has to address past harms against subgroups.”