The Mamdani Earthquake

A 33-year-old democratic socialist just beat Andrew Cuomo in the NYC mayoral primary. Here's what it means for the city and the party, and America's jittery Jews

In one of the most dramatic upsets in US municipal politics history, Zohran Mamdani—a Uganda-born 33-year-old democratic socialist and the city’s first potential Muslim mayor — declared victory in the Democratic primary, besting former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Whatever else may be true, he is also spectacularly sympathetic, politically astute and well-spoken.

If his lead holds, which it should, it’s a stunning turn for a race that began as Cuomo’s comeback tour after his 2021 resignation over sexual harassment allegations. He entered with name recognition, millions in PAC support, and endorsements from labor unions and party regulars. But Mamdani’s campaign— fueled by grassroots energy and relentless door-knocking — caught fire. His promises of free buses, child care, housing and soaking the rich resonated with younger voters. Mamdani led a multiracial, youth-driven movement that felt more like a social uprising than a traditional campaign.

In November’s actual election, incumbent Eric Adams is running as an independent after skipping the primary due to legal troubles and a messy corruption probe. Republican Curtis Sliwa, the perennial law-and-order candidate, is also in. Cuomo may run as an independent too. To beat Mamdani, egomaniacs would need to unite — unlikely.

What does Mamdani’s win say about the Democratic Party in the Trump 2.0 era? Is this a fluke — or a new blueprint for progressives?