The continued rise of Democratic Socialism in the United States, including here in Colorado, is no longer a political outlier. Melat Kiros’ defeat of 15‑term Denver Democrat Congresswoman Diana DeGette was a resounding victory. Across the country, candidates aligned with Democratic Socialist ideals are gaining traction at every level of government.  Building on earlier breakthroughs like Zohran Mamdani in New York city, Katie Wilson’s mayoral run in Seattle and most recently, Abdul El-Sayed’s win in Michigan’s Democrat Senate primary. 

It begs the question, why are voters embracing candidates whose platforms sit well outside the political mainstream?

If you look at the core themes championed by Democratic Socialist Party platform, the ideas aren’t subtle. They call for government ownership and control of major private corporations, free public college, rent control, and a fully government-run health‑care system. It also includes sweeping social and legal proposals such as broad amnesty for people living in the U.S. illegally, embracing the abolition of ICE, dismantling law enforcement and the prison system, along with eliminating institutions like the Supreme Court and even the U.S. Senate. These are not mainstream ideas and they certainly  aren’t broadly popular. Yet voters are choosing candidates who champion them.  Why?

Part of the explanation is political mood. There is a clear anti‑incumbent energy running through the Democratic Party, not unlike what Republicans experienced during President Trump’s first election cycle. When voters feel institutions have grown unresponsive, they gravitate toward disruption.

I would contend the deeper driver is economic. While corporate earnings are strong, and the stock market is rewarding those with investment portfolios, many Americans feel increasingly squeezed. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase, has frequently opined over several years the U.S. economy has split, leaving large segments of the population behind. For families living paycheck to paycheck, inflation isn’t theoretical, it’s a daily pressure. Rising costs for housing, childcare, transportation and groceries create a sense that the system is tilted against them.

Colorado is a case study in this divide.  According to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce most recent Scorecard, Colorado ranks 48^th in housing affordability, 47^th in cost of living and 6^th among the most regulated states.  Our affordability crisis has hardened into what can only be described as a doom loop, a cycle created not by market failure but by policy choices. The lack of meaningful construction‑defect reform has all but wiped-out condominium development, eliminating one of the state’s most important entry‑level housing options. Energy mandates are driving up utility and construction costs by forcing premature abandonment of reliable infrastructure in favor of expensive replacements. Property‑insurance premiums have surged due to litigation exposure, wildfire risk, rising rebuild costs and newly enacted fees on policies to fund grant programs. Each of the aforementioned add cost, slows projects and shrinks supply. Prices rise, families get pushed out, and lawmakers respond with more mandates that make the problem worse.

These frustrations are real and they deserve serious attention. Simply dismissing Democratic Socialism as misguided isn’t enough. If voters are turning toward candidates with fringe platforms, it’s because they feel traditional leaders haven’t offered credible solutions.

The answer isn’t to adopt the policies Democratic Socialists are promoting, policies that would deepen economic stagnation and worsen affordability.  It’s incumbent on policymakers to put forward substantive alternatives and new ideas instead of the same old talking points. That starts with acknowledging a hard truth, government involvement in key affordability drivers has made things worse. Colorado’s affordability crisis won’t be solved by more mandates, more fees, or more bureaucratic oversight. It will be solved by getting government out of the way, unleashing private‑sector innovation, and restoring market forces that naturally increase supply and reduce costs.

Recent election results show voters want change.  If mainstream leaders fail to deliver it, they shouldn’t be surprised when Democratic Socialists fill the void.

Dan Nordberg is a former Colorado State Representative and presidential appointee, serving as Regional Administrator for Region VIII and later as Director of the Office of Rural Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration.