Democrats Shift Leftward as Voters Grow Wary

New poll data shows the Democratic Party moving further to the left, raising concerns among some voters.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A recent CNN poll found that one in three Democrats now identify as democratic socialists, with that number rising to 42% among Democrats under 35. The percentage of Democrats who consider themselves "very liberal" has quadrupled in the past 25 years, while the share of self-identified conservative Democrats has plummeted. This leftward shift within the party is raising concerns, as 58% of Americans now believe the Democrats are too liberal, up from 42% in 1996 and 48% in 2013.

Why it matters

The Democratic Party's move to the left could have significant political ramifications, potentially alienating more moderate voters and making it harder for the party to win in swing states and purple districts. The rise of progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and "The Squad" reflects the growing influence of the party's left flank, which some see as at odds with the kitchen table issues that often drive election outcomes.

The details

According to the CNN poll, the share of Democrats who self-identify as "very liberal" has risen from just 5% in 1999 to 21% today. Meanwhile, the percentage of Democrats who consider themselves conservative has dropped from 26% in 1999 to just 8% now. This ideological shift has coincided with the growing prominence of figures like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other progressive leaders within the party.

  • The CNN poll was conducted in February 2026.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A self-described democratic socialist who has emerged as a leading voice within the Democratic Party.

The Squad

A group of progressive Democratic members of Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and others.

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic mayor of New York City, known for his progressive policies.

Harry Enten

A CNN poll analyst who discussed the party's ideological shift.

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What they’re saying

“The far left is gaining power, and there could be some electoral repercussions because what we see right now is voters, the clear majority, say that they are too liberal.”

— Harry Enten, CNN poll analyst (CNN)

What’s next

The Democratic Party's leftward shift and its potential impact on future elections will likely continue to be a topic of intense political debate and analysis in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Democratic Party's rapid move to the left, as evidenced by the growing influence of progressive figures and policies, is raising concerns among some voters and could have significant political consequences if the party is perceived as too far removed from the priorities of more moderate Americans.