Democrats are growing concerned that the increasing influence of democratic socialism within their party might alienate some Hispanic voters, especially older ones from countries like Cuba and Venezuela. These voters, many of whom have experienced economic hardship or political instability in their home countries, may be wary of socialist policies. Democratic strategists fear that if this trend continues unchecked, it could hurt their chances in the 2028 presidential election. In Florida, a strategist noted that the word "socialism" carries negative connotations in areas with large Hispanic populations, potentially affecting candidates like state Rep. Angie Nixon, who is running for Senate and is associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), even though the group hasn't officially endorsed her. According to a Pew Research Center survey, only 20 percent of Democratic and Democratic-leaning Hispanic voters have a favorable view of political leaders who identify as democratic socialists. This is significantly lower than the rates among Black, Asian, and white voters. A 2022 Pew survey also showed that over half of Latino respondents had a positive view of capitalism, while 53 percent viewed socialism negatively. Cuban respondents, in particular, expressed strong negative opinions, with 82 percent holding unfavorable views of socialism, compared to 64 percent among Puerto Ricans. Mexican and South American respondents had lower negative views, at 51 percent and 47 percent, respectively. Luis Miranda, a Democratic strategist and former Obama White House staffer born in Colombia, acknowledges these concerns. He notes that many Hispanics have seen the extremes of both the far right and far left in their home countries and are cautious about radical policies. However, he points to the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, as a sign that some concerns are being eased. Miranda emphasizes the need for Democrats to counter the more extreme positions of the DSA, such as proposals to abolish the Senate and the presidency. Historically, Hispanic members have made up a small portion of the DSA. A 2021 national survey found that only 9 percent of DSA members identified as Hispanic, while a 2023 survey of New York City DSA members showed 14 percent were Hispanic, with 60 percent identifying as white. Among younger Hispanic voters, attitudes toward socialism may be more favorable. A 2022 Pew poll found that 46 percent of Latino respondents aged 18-29 had a positive impression of socialism, compared to about a third of those aged 50 and older. Candidates like Claire Valdez, a Mexican American union organizer endorsed by the DSA, have found success in predominantly Hispanic areas. Similarly, Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Spanish-speaking candidate with experience in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, won her primary against Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), though Espaillat still managed to carry Hispanic-plurality precincts by 4 percentage points. Stephanie Valencia, CEO of Equis Research, notes that concerns about how Latinos view socialism are not new but highlights that the current debate has unique elements. She suggests that the meaning of "socialism" can vary and may change over time, and questions whether focusing on socialism would be an effective strategy for Democrats given current issues like the cost of living and immigration.