Zohran Mamdani has ushered in a new era of Democratic politics – one where bold ideas and consistent values prevail.
Who is Zohran Mamdani? 33-year-old could become first Muslim NYC mayor
Presumptive Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani would be the New York City’s first Muslim mayor and its first Asian American mayor.
In a time when the Democratic Party is grappling with declining polling numbers and dissatisfied party members, New Yorkers have shown them what a quality progressive candidate can accomplish.
On Tuesday, June 24, New York City’s Democratic voters rejected former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the party establishment in favor of charismatic democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral primary. In the process, the city has ushered in a new era of Democratic politics – one where bold ideas and consistent values prevail.
Mamdani, 33, managed to stand out in a crowded field of candidates through his authentic social media presence and robust field organizing efforts. The state lawmaker also managed to withstand harsh criticism from Cuomo supporters who saw him as too radical. Perhaps most important, Mamdani managed to win over a broad coalition of voters without sacrificing his values as a progressive, proving to the Democratic Party and the rest of the country that someone with strong leftist values can, in fact, be a viable candidate.
Mamdani’s win shows Democrats that voters want a real plan and big ideas
To win over voters, Mamdani campaigned on two bold ideas: Freeze the rents and make the buses free. These ideas are easy for any voter, regardless of information level, to digest. He proposed some other big ideas, as well: city-owned grocery stores, universal child care and expanding access to gender-affirming care for trans people.
To pay for these ideas, Mamdani proposes raising the top corporate income tax rate to 11.5% and creating a 2% flat tax rate for the wealthiest people in the city, those who make $1 million or more annually.
While I’m sure this is infuriating to the Democratic Party’s corporate donors, it’s clearly something that actually wins favor with voters.
Mamdani ‒ born to South Asian parents in Uganda but raised in New York City after his family moved there when he was 7 years old ‒ also refused to shy away from his stances that establishment Democrats painted as “too far left.”
He was ideologically consistent as a member of the state’s legislature, even when it hindered his accomplishments. New York City’s would-be first Muslim and Indian American mayor affirmed Israel’s right to exist on the campaign trail but has never shied away from supporting the Palestinian people. He never apologized for saying the city should defund the police.
All of these things worked in Mamdani’s favor during the Democratic primary. They will also make him a Republican target leading up to the general election. If Democrats want to keep this city, they need to quickly rally behind Mamdani.
Democrats need to realize socialism isn’t a scary word
The Democratic Party must also finally admit that progressive ideas work, and that there’s no reason for them to be scared of the word “socialism.” It’s important to note the difference between a “socialist” and a “democratic socialist.” The former is an ideology in which the government or workers control the means of production. Democratic socialism, which is the belief system Mamdani ascribes to, works to achieve a society with ample public services through democracy.
Mamdani still has a long road ahead of him before the November election. Now that he’s the presumed Democratic nominee, he’ll face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa and former federal prosecutor Jim Walden. There’s also a strong possibility that he faces Cuomo again, if the former governor chooses to run as an independent.
I am interested to see what Mamdani is able to accomplish when the entire Democratic Party is working with him, instead of against him.
It’s clear that New Yorkers want a change, the rest of the country does, too. If Democrats are ready to start winning again, they’ll see the momentum of the Mamdani campaign as a sign of the times and begin incorporating progressive policies into their national party platform.
Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter: @sara__pequeno
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