Sewer Socialism Movement Gains Momentum in U.S. Cities
A political movement known as 'sewer socialism' is experiencing a resurgence in American cities, focusing on expanding government programs for the public good. This approach emphasizes initiatives such as affordable housing, childcare, and public transportation. Democratic socialists like Zohran Mamdami of New York, Katie Wilson of Seattle, and Washington D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George are championing these policies. The movement draws inspiration from early 20th-century Milwaukee politicians who pioneered public works and housing projects. Advocates suggest its appeal stems from younger candidates who address voter concerns about affordability, while polls indicate evolving public perceptions of socialism among college students and U.S. adults.
A political movement termed 'sewer socialism' is gaining traction in American cities. This approach centers on expanding government programs to serve the public good, with a focus on areas such as affordable housing, childcare, and public transportation. Prominent Democratic socialists, including New York's Zohran Mamdami, Seattle's Katie Wilson, and Washington D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George, are among those promoting these policies.
The movement is described as a reboot of initiatives first pioneered by Milwaukee, Wisconsin, politicians in the early 1900s, who expanded sewage systems and developed the first municipally sponsored public housing project in the United States.
Longtime Democratic strategist Jesse Lehrich suggests that these candidates resonate with voters due to their younger age and less entrenched positions within mainstream political institutions, enabling them to connect with individuals facing affordability challenges. Lehrich highlighted affordability as a primary concern for voters.
Public opinion on socialism shows varying trends. A 2025 Axios-Generation Lab poll indicated that 67% of college students hold a positive or neutral view of "socialism," compared to 40% for "capitalism." More broadly, a 2025 Gallup poll found 39% of U.S. adults view socialism positively, while 54% view capitalism positively.
Ashik Siddique, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America's National Political Committee, notes that these strategies echo public investment initiatives associated with Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Siddique indicated that many public works and social investment programs were scaled back after the Great Depression and have since faced attacks and reversals. Historical examples include President Nixon freezing public housing spending in 1973, leading to Congress introducing Section 8 vouchers in 1974, and President Clinton replacing open-ended cash welfare with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in 1996, adding work requirements and benefit time limits.
Lehrich attributes the resonance of Democratic socialist candidates to widespread frustration with Democrats and a perception that the existing political status quo is ineffective. He suggests that perceived "outsiders" challenging this status quo are seeing electoral advantages. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has experienced growth, reaching 100,000 members in February 2026 and increasing to 110,000 since then. A DSA spokesperson reported that approximately 172 nationally endorsed DSA candidates have won elected office since 2018. However, it remains uncertain whether the sewer socialism movement can achieve widespread success beyond politically progressive cities.
According to Axios, this number does not include self-identified Democratic socialists, DSA members without national endorsements, or candidates endorsed only by local DSA chapters.
