As progressive and democratic socialist candidates gain electoral ground, Republican leaders and conservative commentators are increasingly shifting their rhetoric from labeling them as socialists to branding them outright as communists. This change in language aims to recalibrate the political attack against the leftward movement within the Democratic Party.

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee), who initially referred to the left wing of the Democratic Party as “the Socialist Democrat wing” seven years ago, recently escalated the terminology by calling them “Communists” on the social media platform X. His comments came shortly after a democratic socialist candidate defeated a longtime incumbent in a Colorado primary, signaling a growing momentum for candidates openly embracing socialist identities.

Data compiled by political analysts and civic organizations indicate a 43 percent increase in mentions of “communism” or “communist” in right-wing social media posts and statements during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. In many weeks, references to communism have surpassed those to socialism. Despite this, usage of “socialism” has also risen, particularly since early 2025.

Republican strategists see the pivot as a way to renew engagement with conservative voters. “When the people we accuse of being socialists admit that they are socialists, it’s not an attack that stings as much,” said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist. “Having a new line of attack makes people pay attention.” Top GOP leaders have underscored this framing, equating Democrats’ left flank to historical communist movements and warning of a growing “extremism” within the party.

President Donald Trump, speaking at rallies over the Fourth of July holiday, accused democratic socialists of masking their true ideology and characterized communism as a threat to American liberty. He linked the resurgence of communist rhetoric to a demographic shift, describing “newcomers to our country” as posing a “mortal threat.”

On the other side, prominent Democrats and members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), argue that ideological labels distract from substantive policy debates. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized focusing on legislation addressing economic issues such as affordability, rather than on political tags. The DSA itself encompasses a range of views, from more hardline communist caucuses advocating for significant systemic change, to members who support regulated capitalism complemented by social safety nets.

Public opinion surveys suggest that the “socialist” label is less stigmatized than in previous years. A Pew Research Center poll from January found that roughly 17 percent of Americans hold favorable views of leaders identifying as democratic socialists, with negative opinions declining over recent years. Democratic socialists have recently won multiple primary challenges in traditionally safe districts, often campaigning on platforms that include expanded social programs, environmental policies, and opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel.

However, these election results have caused tensions within the Democratic Party. Some more moderate members have sought to distance themselves by reaffirming commitments to capitalism and centrism. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) criticized democratic socialists as divisive, suggesting they form a separate party.

Meanwhile, Democratic Socialists of America leaders note that the Republicans’ shift to the “communist” label reflects the declining effectiveness of “socialist” as a political pejorative. Megan Romer, co-chair of the DSA, pointed out that the overuse of the socialist tag against relatively moderate figures has “defanged” its political impact. As more democratic socialists hold office and govern without extreme repercussions, the once-feared label has lost much of its negative resonance.

Ocasio-Cortez also highlighted generational and cultural differences in how these labels are perceived, noting that voters with Cold War-era experiences might react differently than younger or more diverse constituencies. She cautioned against focusing too heavily on ideological labels when broader community concerns vary across districts.

The evolving language and political strategy underscore ongoing debates about the direction of the Democratic Party and the framing tactics Republicans employ as both parties gear up for upcoming elections.