Chicago City Wire

Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, expressed concerns over the Democratic Party's increasing support for socialism, describing it as detrimental to the nation. He drew on his experience with Poland's transition from socialism in a press release.

"Mamdani's preference for socialism is now the norm among Democrats, of whom a majority now say they prefer socialism over our free enterprise system," said Dabrowski. "I know socialism does not work. I helped Poland recover from the destruction socialism wrought on its country and people, The Democrats' embrace of socialism is a historic turning point and a tragedy for both America and the Democratic Party."

Recent national polling indicates a growing divide among Democrats regarding socialism and free enterprise. According to Gallup's September 2025 survey, only 54 percent of Americans currently have a positive view of capitalism. In contrast, Democrats are the only major group showing greater favorability toward socialism. This shift is attributed to discussions on inequality and corporate influence that have intensified over the past two years. Analysts connect this trend to progressive economic narratives and rising cost-of-living pressures.

A September 2025 Gallup poll, reported by the Associated Press, revealed that 66 percent of Democrats hold a favorable opinion of socialism compared to just 42 percent who view capitalism positively. The same survey highlights overall U.S. support for capitalism at 54 percent, emphasizing how Democratic voters now significantly differ from national economic perspectives amid generational and ideological divides.

Democrats' perception of socialism has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Gallup reports that approximately 53 percent of Democrats viewed socialism favorably in 2011–2012, which rose above 60 percent by 2021; by 2018, they already rated socialism more positively than capitalism. This marks an ongoing realignment within the party's economic outlook continuing into 2025.

Dabrowski is the former president of Wirepoints and previously served as vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. The Heartland Institute notes he spent 16 years at Citibank in international finance, including senior roles in Poland. He later became known for advocating fiscal discipline, pension reform, and market-driven economic policy in Illinois.