Investor says 53% of young conservatives support government-run grocery stores
Republican support for capitalism has fallen sharply since 2019.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Dario Defends Himself, Datacenter Panic, AI Doomer Trap, Senate Toss-UpInvestor David Friedberg, citing a poll, said "53% of self-identified conservatives under 40 support government-run grocery stores."
Citing a July 2026 Fox News poll, Friedberg said "61% of Republicans view capitalism favorably, down from 72% in 2019." He added that "the share who feel strongly favorable" fell from 54% to 41%.
Friedberg also cited a rise among Republicans "who say the system is rigged" towards the wealthy, "from 30% in 2018 to 42%" in the July 2026 poll.
Friedberg argues that unaffordable housing, health care, and education are driving the change, and that conservatives are changing the issues they care about.
Questions people ask
What would a government-run grocery store actually do?
It would be a food store owned and operated by a city or state government, usually promising lower prices by operating without a profit. New York City debated the idea in 2025 and 2026, and Chicago studied opening city-owned stores in neighborhoods with few supermarkets. Supporters see them as a fix for high prices and food deserts, while critics argue they struggle to match private stores on cost and selection.
Why would young conservatives support an idea like that?
Friedberg argues the main driver is affordability, not ideology. He points to housing, health care, and education costs that many people say they cannot afford. In his view, that pressure is pushing even self-described conservatives to be open to direct government help with basics like food.
Is this part of a broader drop in support for capitalism?
In the July 2026 Fox News poll Friedberg cited, 61% of Republicans viewed capitalism favorably, down from 72% in 2019. Strongly favorable views fell from 54% to 41%, while views that the system is rigged toward the wealthy rose. The drop described in that poll is among Republicans themselves.