The House of Representatives voted 285–98 on Friday to formally denounce the “horrors of socialism,” delivering a pointed rebuke just hours before President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with New York City’s incoming democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
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Eighty-six Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, while two Democrats voted present. Republicans were unanimous in backing the measure.
GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have seized on Mamdani’s victory in the nation’s largest city as emblematic of what they argue is the Democratic Party’s growing embrace of radical left-wing ideology. Party strategists have already made clear they intend to use Mamdani as a political focal point heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats downplayed the vote and criticized the Republican-authored resolution, arguing that it selectively highlights authoritarian regimes that labeled themselves socialist. Despite those objections,
Democratic leadership did not push for a unified opposition, and many moderate Democrats—particularly from New York—have appeared uneasy about Mamdani’s rapid rise and the political implications for swing districts.
The floor debate briefly flared when Rep. Maria Salazar of Florida accused Rep. Maxine Waters of California of being a “friend” of Fidel Castro, citing Waters’ past visit to Cuba. Waters demanded the remarks be stricken from the record. Salazar withdrew the comment, and the House moved forward without further incident.[/read]