As Democrats embrace a more activist government, some are flirting with an idea that hasn’t received serious attention since the 1970s: a minimum guaranteed income for all Americans.

Entrepreneur Andrew Yang’s presidential candidacy has gained traction with a proposal to give a $1,000 monthly “freedom dividend” to all Americans—from the poorest to the richest, employed and unemployed alike.

No mainstream officeholder has joined Mr. Yang’s call for a universal basic income. But policies to create a kind of basic income—albeit not universal—in the form of a new financial floor for millions of households have drawn backing from other Democrats seeking the White House and many lawmakers.

Party leaders are embracing a range of federally backed economic rights, including universal access to health care, college, child care, and broadband. The right to a basic income doesn’t get as much attention, but it is seeping into the debate as Democrats hone a message to counter President Trump’s bid for re-election.

“No president has done more to support working families,” says Kayleigh McEnany, the Trump campaign’s national press secretary, citing, saying “the unemployment rate remains at generational lows, as wages continue to grow at the fastest pace in a decade.”