A CNN poll cited by Fox News found that 34% of Democratic or Democratic-leaning respondents describe themselves as democratic socialists, prompting renewed debate about the influence of the left within the Democratic Party. Fox News presents the finding as evidence that the Democratic Socialists of America and similar groups are becoming more prominent, while critics quoted in the article characterise their policies as harmful.

The reported figure equates to roughly one in three Democratic-leaning adults and 15% of all respondents. The article frames the trend as a shift from what it calls formerly fringe political movements towards a larger role in national Democratic politics, though identifying with democratic socialism does not necessarily indicate support for every policy or organisation associated with that label.