(Crankers) In response to Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory as mayor-elect of New York City, the House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning socialism with widespread bipartisan support. With 86 Democrats joining Republicans, the bill passed 285–98. Present votes were cast by two Democrats. The motion was also backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who supported Mamdani just days prior to the election.
Introduced by Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., the resolution lists historical examples of socialist governments and cites failures under regimes such as Fidel Castro in Cuba, Mao Zedong in China, and Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The text states that “Congress denounces socialism in all its forms and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States.” The resolution is nonbinding.
The vote comes as socialism has gained increased national attention. Progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have pushed for a larger government role in healthcare, education, and other services. Mamdani, a self-described socialist, has emerged as another prominent advocate. He is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Friday.
Several lawmakers commented on the vote. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said socialism conflicts with American principles of freedom and argued it leads to limits on personal liberty and centralized control of resources. He said Congress has a responsibility to defend capitalism and free-market systems against socialism and other forms of authoritarian governance.
Concerns about the party adopting socialist-aligned programs were also voiced by some Democrats who backed the resolution. Democrats have been asked to adopt a more centrist stance by Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-NY, who voted in favor of the bill. In a recent statement, he argued that the party should put less emphasis on populist movements connected to either Donald Trump or Zohran Mamdani and more on sensible measures that address the economy, affordability, and wages.
