Thousands of New Yorkers are today called upon to vote in the Democrats’ qualifiers to choose who will claim it, in one of the most critical political clashes of recent years with them already chosen 71 -year -old Curtis Sliva as a candidate.
The battle for the democrats are starting today with a process of gradual exclusion and will be completed by the beginning of July. The two favorites are diametrically opposed politicians: the 67 -year -old, former New York ruler and a person of the party establishment, and 33 -year -old Zoran Mamdani, a spokesman for the leftist, socialist wing of the Democratic Party.
Zoran Mamdani, a member of the New York State House and a Democratic Socialist, has emerged as one of the most unexpected forces in the pre -election battle for the New York City City in the 2025 elections. Although he is still in polls. He manages to close Psalia, enhancing the likelihood of being a winner.
One possible victory would not be just a political surprise. It would be a critical turning point for the Democratic Party, which is facing serious difficulties after the losses in the 2024 national elections. In addition, it would give power and inspiration to left -wing movements and politicians who attempt to challenge the traditional political establishment.
The Great Bet of Government of the “Great Apple”
The position of New York Mayor is one of the most epic but also demanding administrative positions in the whole country. The next mayor will manage a budget that exceeds $ 115 billion, over 300,000 workers and the largest US police body. At the same time, it should address everyday issues such as the humiliation policy and the maintenance of roads and infrastructure, the so -called “hazy and practical” part of governance.
This dual nature of the role – between social policy and technical, administrative demands – is a challenge that has sometimes created internal contradictions that have caused great disappointments. Former Mayor Bill de Blazio had often referred to this conflict between ideology and everyday life.
Brandon Johnson’s example in Chicago
Mamdani, according to Politico, is called upon to follow in the footsteps of Brandon Johnson, the Mayor of Chicago who was backed by socialist organizations and the Democratic Socialist Party of America (DSA) when he prevailed two years ago over Lori Laithut. However, Johnson’s term has been marked by political failures, interventions rejected by the City Council and frustration in voters. Indeed, the editorial team of Chicago Tribune recently wrote a caustic article entitled “Do you want to know how a Socialist mayor in New York would rule? Ask Chicago. “
The newspaper commented that what was heard good at the theoretical level were turned into “malfunction, due to economic errors and political immaturity”, even wishing Mamdani was “undoubtedly more radical” than Johnson.
Harsh criticism and concerns about inexperience
The 33-year-old politician has the support of the Left’s leadership figures, such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Okasio-Cortees, but are severely hit by billionaires through committees funding Cuomo. The main arguments against him relate to the lack of government and administrative experience.
John Franco, who served in the Sanders administration in Berlington in the 1980s, recalls the need for the practical result: “Bernie had once said,” if we do not clean the sidewalks and do not make the roads, the world will not tolerate it. ” You have to convince the world that we have good ideas but also that we know how to run. “
REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Mamdani vision: Rental freezing, free buses and municipal grocery stores
At the heart of Mamdani’s program lies the proposal to freeze rents in 1 million apartments, the imposition of larger taxes on the rich to make the use of buses free and the creation of municipal groceries that will offer cheaper goods.
At the same time, Ho Mamdani has held meetings with high-ranking former city officials, such as Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor under Eric Adams, Patrick Gaspard, former mayors and Ambassador to South Ambassador and be prepared for the realities of governance.
Political controversy with the establishment and challenges
Mamdani will be confronted with the persistent reaction of New York’s establishment, with the dominant factor in Governor Katie Hotsul, who has already rejected his proposals to increase taxes to the rich. Also, the idea of free urban buses requires Congress approval, which shows how difficult it will be to implement its program.
But according to the heads of the Mamdani campaign, it has managed to build broad alliances, even with organizations and politicians who do not belong to the left, such as the Manhattan Conservative Institute.
Who is Zoran Mamdani
Zoran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, to a family of Indian descent. His father, Mahmoud Mamdani, is a distinguished professor of post-colonial studies at Columbia University, while his mother, Mira yes, is a well-known Indo-American director with works such as “Monsoon Wedding” and “Salaam Bombay!” His middle name, Quame, took it in honor of Ghana’s first prime minister, Quame Nkrmama.
The family moved to South Africa, where Mamdani attended St. George’s Grammar School, before settling in New York, where he attended Bank Street School for Children and Bronx High School of Science. He studied Africana Studies at the Bowdoin College, where he co -founded the local branch of Students for Justice in Palestine and participated in movements against imperialism and in favor of social justice. Acquired American citizenship in 2018.
Before dealing with politics, he worked as a housing prevention consultant, helping low -paid owners to avoid evictions. This experience brought him a systemic housing market inequalities and pushed him into politics.
A Socialist in New York political scene
Mamdani identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist and is a member of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York. Its constituency includes important Muslim and Arabic communities, as well as areas with strong left activity.
It has served in major committees of the State House, such as those of energy, cities, real estate tax and immigrant rights, contributing to the drafting and support of a multitude of legislative initiatives.
Its public image is divisive: it is supported by activists and progressive citizens but is attacked by conservatives and centrals who consider its positions radical.
Tuesday’s battle and the future of the leftist movement
The June 24 elections are a test not only for Mamdani himself, but also for the whole democratic socialist party in America, who sees in his nomination a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most powerful administrative positions in the country.
His political campaign has mobilized over 45,000 volunteers and attracts the interest of young voters looking for radical changes in their city. As Grace Mausser, co-president of the DSA local organization, says, “the election of a socialist mayor in the country’s largest city will send a strong message and inspire those who are fighting for the interests of the working class.”
At the same time, the challenge for Mamdani is enormous: to prove that radical ideology can coexist with the practical management of a municipality of giants, to work with politicians of different shades and implement the program it promises.
In an interview with WNYC, when asked if his supporters would be disappointed because his “not realistic” program replied:
“Many have also said this about our campaign at first. And yet, now we are a day before we overthrow a political dynasty. “
