Mayoral election: a new era for New York?
New York elects a new mayor today, Tuesday. In the race for City Hall, 34-year-old left-wing Democrat Zohran Mamdani has a substantial lead against former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Commentators discuss what makes the self-declared "democratic socialist" so successful.
Progressive beacon of hope
Zohran Mamdani would not only be the first Muslim mayor but also offer the Democrats fresh hope, the Financial Times stresses:
“For a 34-year-old state assemblyman whom most people in the five boroughs had never heard of even six months ago, it would be a jaw-dropping achievement. A socialist of Indian descent who was born in Uganda, Mamdani has built his campaign on making New York more affordable for the people who live and work there, with promises of a rent freeze, free buses and free universal child care. But for the more than 50,000 volunteers who have rallied to his banner, his run for mayor has come to mean much more. For them, he is a beacon of hope at an increasingly bleak time for progressive politics in America.”
Much-needed rejuvenation
Mamdani is raising Democrats' hopes for a new era, Libération writes:
“He could have a national future ahead of him. In the turmoil that has prevailed since Kamala Harris's defeat, the Democrats are sorely lacking in leadership. Could Mamdani, who is a sensation on social media and an idol for Gen Z, be the rejuvenating elixir that this grey-haired, gerontocratic party needs? ... Mamdani is on track to become New York's first Muslim mayor and the youngest since 1917. The city could be the testing ground for a new era for the Democratic Party.”
Left-wing populism is not the solution
Television journalist and author Ulrich Berls urges Democrats to exercise caution in Cicero:
“Trying to defeat right-wing populism with left-wing populism is a risky strategy. After Mamdani's probable victory in New York, those celebrating should perhaps take another look at the political map of the United States: nationwide elections are not decided in cities like New York, Portland or Chicago. Those are places where they're more likely to send in the National Guard.”
A symbol of democracy in the US
Politiken comments:
“If Mamdani wins, as the polls predict, it would send a clear signal not only to Trump but to the entire United States. A signal that there is another path and that American democracy is alive and kicking. That elections matter. The United States is immensely large and diverse, and New York is by no means a reflection of the entire country. But the city can – like the Statue of Liberty at the entrance to the harbour – demonstrate the strength of an open, humane United States.”
Skillful in getting attention
Boris Herrmann, New York correspondent for the Süddeutsche Zeitung, says it is Mamdani's skillful presentation of his arguments rather than the arguments themselves that wins him support:
“He has understood that the Democrats' problem in their political confrontation with Trump is not really their arguments, but about getting attention. Regardless of the outcome of this mayoral election, Mamdani's confident, slightly populist and, above all, very loud campaign has shown how to best annoy Donald Trump: by talking about something other than him every now and then.”
It's the 2026 midterms that really count
Visão doesn't consider the elections in individual US states to be a test of public opinion on Donald Trump's policies:
“New Jersey, Virginia and New York will head to the polls on Tuesday. ... These are the three Democratic states that prompted Obama to intervene in the election campaign. Everyone wants these elections to be seen as a referendum on Trump, who hasn't been in office for a year yet, but that will hardly be possible. The midterm elections at the end of 2026 will show what Americans think of the president, his erratic style of government and the ongoing chaos in the White House. Trump supports the Republican candidates, but at the same time keeps a cautious distance so as not to be led in the wrong direction.”