Will New York's next mayor be a leftist?
Zohran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for the New York mayoral election, making it likely that he will be elected mayor of the largest city in the US in November. The young, progressive politician, who was practically unknown when the campaign began, considers himself a socialist and is calling for affordable rents and free public transport.
Jolt of energy for US Democrats
The signal this sends goes beyond local politics, says The Independent:
“In securing this win, 33-year-old newcomer Mamdani hasn't just shut out a titan of New York politics [ex-governor Andrew Cuomo] - he's given the Democratic Party its first real jolt of energy since it lost the White House last year. ... Mamdani's win is proof that progressive ideas can win elections ... New Yorkers rightly crave a representative who understands what it is like to live in cramped, overpriced apartments and make long commutes on a struggling subway. A Ugandan-born socialist millennial Muslim may just have given the Democrats the shot in their arm that the national party needs.”
An uncomfortable option for many
In a Facebook post taken over by NV, blooger Iwan Jakowyna writes:
“Mamdani is just 33 years old, but he already has remarkable political skills. His public presence is extremely convincing, he unerringly makes the right points, takes an unconventional approach and knows how to win people over. He has basically become a leader of the Democratic Party - its new face and its most important rising star. This makes many people uncomfortable because he takes decidedly leftist positions on many key issues.”
A difficult position, but at least a chance
Krytyka Polityczna underlines:
“If Mamdani wins, he will face serious challenges. Many affluent New Yorkers are threatening to move out of the city if a socialist wins, which could jeopardise the city's budget. He will have to rely on cooperation with lawmakers at the state level to put his agenda into practice, which is likely to prove difficult. It is also unclear how institutions like the New York Police Department would work with a political outsider. One thing is certain, though: if Mamdani wins, that would be a major success and an opportunity for the American left.”