There’s an unusual aspect to the graveyard.
Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani recently shared how he’s been wandering around a cemetery, perhaps searching for some personal space amidst his newfound publicity. It’s a habit that he claims was inspired by his idol, former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
In a profile with Time Magazine that just came out, Mamdani reflected on losing his privacy since his unexpected win in June for the Democratic nomination.
“I really miss being outdoors,” he admitted in the interview.
“Now I find myself going to the cemetery between meetings because it’s a quiet spot with no crowds.”
His cemetery strolls have quickly attracted ridicule from opponents, drawing parallels to de Blasio’s own wandering habits, which often led him through bustling locations like Prospect Park and South Street Seaport.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is independently running for mayor, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa have begun mocking Mamdani as “de Blasio 2.0.”
“NYC doesn’t need another mayor who meanders through a cemetery to escape people. It’s just odd,” Sliwa commented on social media.
Rich Azopaldi, a spokesperson for Cuomo, also capitalized on the comparisons, sharing screenshots along with a nostalgic quote about Mamdani and referencing an earlier New York Post piece on de Blasio’s cemetery strolls.
“Well, this is peculiar,” Azopaldi quipped.
While serving from 2014 to 2021, de Blasio was known for visiting cemeteries, parks, and other public spots frequently.
Mamdani did express some admiration for de Blasio, calling him “the best mayor in my life” for initiatives like Universal Pre-K, altering policing practices, and taxing the wealthy. However, he didn’t hold back on criticism, recalling a hunger strike he organized against delays in taxi driver debt relief.
Yet, like de Blasio, Mamdani is also committed to exploring the city on foot. He once walked 13.4 miles through Manhattan and documented the journey, even capturing moments while navigating the streets amidst political events, while, incidentally, pointing out Cuomo’s issues with parking.
