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Zohran Mamdani Poised to Make History as New York’s First Socialist Mayor

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

Zohran Mamdani
Image Source: Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

On the eve of New York’s mayoral election, frontrunner Zohran Mamdani marched across the Brooklyn Bridge and greeted crowds at City Hall with a promise of transformation. “We stand on the verge of ushering in a new day for our city,” he told supporters, signaling the potential dawn of a new political era for America’s largest city.


Polls indicate that Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, is poised to defeat former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. His expected victory would mark the highest office ever held by a democratic socialist in the United States, capping a decade-long movement that began with Bernie Sanders and reshaped the Democratic Party’s ideological landscape.


Mamdani’s campaign has resonated with younger voters drawn to his focus on affordability, inclusivity and community-based governance. His energetic social media presence and grassroots organizing have fueled enthusiasm across boroughs, particularly among first-time voters. Supporters describe him as authentic and compassionate, praising his ability to connect with people and communicate hope.


Yet his rise has also sparked anxiety among centrist Democrats. Party strategists warn that his progressive platform could deepen divides within the Democratic ranks and provide Republicans with fresh ammunition in national races. Some prominent Democrats, including several New York representatives, have withheld endorsements, citing concerns about his policies and lack of experience.


Republicans, meanwhile, have seized on his ascent, framing Mamdani’s candidacy as evidence of a

leftward drift in Democratic politics. But analysts note that his charisma and optimistic tone have insulated him from some of the harsher attacks, distinguishing him from more polarizing figures on either side of the spectrum.


If elected, Mamdani’s administration will serve as a test of whether a socialist vision can translate into practical governance in a city as complex as New York. His journey to City Hall may end Tuesday night, but his influence on national politics is only just beginning.

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