Politics
Oregon poll finds DSA support concentrated among Democrats and Portland voters
A new statewide survey found 61% of Democrats view the Democratic Socialists of America favorably, while 51% of Oregon voters overall have a negative impression. The group’s backing could help candidates in Democratic primaries and Portland, but is a liability with voters statewide, the poll suggests.
The Democratic Socialists of America remains unpopular with Oregon voters overall, even as it draws strong support from Democrats and Portland residents, according to a new statewide poll conducted ahead of the November election.
The survey found that 51% of registered voters had an unfavorable view of the organization, compared with 34% who viewed it favorably. Among Democrats, however, 61% viewed the DSA positively. Favorable views were reported by just 5% of Republicans and 29% of voters who are unaffiliated or belong to a third party.
The poll, conducted by DHM Research from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1 among 600 registered voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
The findings point to a potential electoral trade-off for candidates associated with the group. Statewide, 44% of respondents said a DSA endorsement would make them less likely to vote for a candidate, while 25% said it would make them more likely to do so. Another 24% said an endorsement would make no difference, and 8% were unsure.
In Portland, where four of the 12 City Council members are DSA members, the endorsement appears to have more appeal: 44% of city voters said it would make them more likely to support a candidate. Three DSA-member incumbents are seeking reelection in council Districts 3 and 4 next month. Portland’s council races are decided using ranked-choice voting, with a candidate needing 25% plus one vote to win.
“Being affiliated with the DSA is probably a net positive for some Democrats in a primary election, and it’s a net negative in all other elections,” said John Horvick, DHM Research’s senior vice president.
The group has also made gains in recent Democratic primaries. Two DSA-backed candidates defeated more moderate opponents in May contests for state legislative seats in Washington County. Their prospects in the November general election remain to be seen.
The Portland chapter says it has more than 3,700 members across the metro area. Nationally, the DSA advocates for measures including universal health care, free public education and higher taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses. Its platform also calls for public ownership of major corporations and industries, and for replacing the presidency and U.S. Supreme Court with institutions subordinate to Congress.
For some Democrats, the group’s promises to expand public services and make life more affordable are a draw. Janelle Miranda, a 59-year-old Salem Democrat surveyed for the poll, said she was tired of traditional parties’ inability to get things done and welcomed the movement’s focus on the “greater good for all.”
“It’s so refreshing. Let’s shake things up,” Miranda said. “Life needs to be affordable for everybody.”
Other voters questioned whether the group’s agenda would resonate beyond urban areas. Walter Chuck, a 59-year-old Democrat from Newport, said some of its ideas may seem more practical in Portland or New York than in rural Oregon.
“I’m a believer in good policy that needs to be paid for and produce the results that you’re pushing,” he said. “The DSA is very catchy, but we need a bit more realism here.”