From The New Yorker · Jill Lepore · · 2m
American Socialism's Last Good Year
Socialism's 1912 surge echoes as modern Democratic Socialists win elections.
In brief
Socialism's 1912 surge echoes as modern Democratic Socialists win elections. Democratic Socialists of America members won congressional seats and mayoral races in 2026, reviving socialist influence after a century of decline. Originally reported by The New Yorker.
Socialist Party's 1912 Peak
In 1912, the Socialist Party of America had 120,000 members and 300 socialist publications including the Appeal to Reason with 300,000 subscribers.
“socialism is not just a theory, it is a destiny”
Socialist Gains in 1910-1912
Victor Berger became first socialist U.S. congressman in 1910; Schenectady elected socialist mayor in 1911; Debs ran for president in 1912.
“We know that we cannot abolish the capitalist system in Schenectady, but we can and will demonstrate to all the spirit of socialism”
1912 Socialist Platform
The platform called for collective ownership of railroads, telegraph lines, mines, banks, and currency; shortened workdays; minimum wage; old-age pensions; and abolition of child labor.
“Under this system the working class is exposed to poisonous conditions, to frightful and needless perils to life and limb”
Modern Socialist Surge
Democratic Socialists of America has 130,000 members including two U.S. representatives and hundreds of state/local officeholders.
“We are workers fighting to transform society: to win the battle for democracy, draft a new constitution”
D.S.A. Platform
The D.S.A. platform calls for abolition of the Senate, replacement of presidency with an executive chosen by Congress, and government ownership of large corporations.
“Both are funded by the same criminal class of billionaires and war profiteers”
D.S.A. Debate
Megan Romer confirmed D.S.A. supports abolishing borders, defunding the Pentagon, and abolishing prisons as part of long-term plans.
“As a long-term plan. Yep”
2026 Election Results
Six D.S.A. members won congressional seats; D.S.A. candidates won mayoral races in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, and Providence.
“We have begun the work of transforming our party and making it belong to working people once again”
Historical Context
Socialism was first heard in the U.S. after the Panic of 1893; Debs became a socialist in 1897 after McKinley's election.
“Money constitutes no proper basis of civilization”
Socialist Party Decline
The Socialist Party lost members to the I.W.W. after 1917; Debs ran for president from prison in 1920; the party dissolved by 1950.
“American socialism as a political and social fact had become simply a notation in the archives of history”
Harrington's Influence
Michael Harrington wrote 'The Other America' in 1962, leading to the War on Poverty under President Kennedy.
“The federal government is the only purposeful force that can reduce the numbers of the poor and make their lives more bearable”
Modern Socialist Strategy
Democratic Socialists aim to integrate socialism into the Democratic Party rather than form a separate party.
“bear an old label: the Democratic Party”
2026 Socialism Survey
A Gallup survey found 43% public approval of socialism and two-thirds support for Medicare for All.
“two-thirds of Americans support Medicare for All”
Socialism and Inequality
Socialism has been strongest in the U.S. during eras of high inequality and weakest during shared prosperity.
“The share of income going to the top one per cent began climbing in the nineteen-seventies”
AI and Socialism
Elon Musk and Sam Altman propose a future where universal basic income replaces labor, echoing socialist visions.
“You own part of the productivity”
Socialist Future Vision
Socialists imagine a world without capitalism where people have time for hobbies, family, and nature.
“Maybe in the morning, you walk your kids to school, run errands, or go to a doctor’s appointment”
The Unfinished Business
American socialism's last good year was 1912; modern socialism faces new challenges from AI and political strategy.
“We have begun the work of transforming our party and making it belong to working people once again”
The one thing
Democratic Socialists of America members won congressional seats and mayoral races in 2026, reviving socialist influence after a century of decline.