Final answer:
There are a few politicians in the United States who identify with democratic socialism, but they are a minority in the larger political landscape. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are among the most notable proponents of this ideology in mainstream politics. However, historically, socialism has not gained significant influence in America due to the success of controlled capitalism and workers' rights movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of mainstream American politics and government, there are very few politicians who identify with state socialism. The term 'socialist' was often used pejoratively in the political arena to suggest a lack of patriotism or alignment with failed states. However, perceptions have shifted somewhat, and more recently, figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez embrace the label of 'democratic socialist.' They support government policies similar to those in some European countries, advocating for student loan forgiveness, free public college, universal healthcare, and other reforms. While they represent a change in American political discourse, they remain a small minority within the broader landscape.
Organized socialism has never gained significant traction in the United States, largely because of the success of labor unions and government policies that supported workers' rights, coupled with a high standard of living under a controlled capitalist economy. Most Americans have historically preferred this model over socialism. Even now, explicitly socialist parties such as the Socialist Party in the U.S. remain minor third parties with limited influence.