Sharks of the World Unite!
Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the New York City mayoral race, has gathered a team of Zers, mostly in their thirties or younger, who have little governmental experience yet hold a history of radical left politics. This association has drawn attention, especially given their ties to billionaire George Soros and backgrounds in affluence, including elite private education.
Mamdani’s strong position in the competition has propelled these relatively inexperienced individuals, many of whom come from privileged environments, to the forefront. “We’re gearing up for another segment of this surprising journey,” commented one Democratic operative.
Despite his notable victory in the Democratic primary, Mamdani has made limited progress since securing the nomination in June. His focus seems to have been on connecting with working-class voters, a group he claims to represent.
Among the roughly twenty people in his inner circle, eight are under 36. Interestingly, three of these figures have ties to Soros, and it seems that many grew up in households valued at millions.
The median salary in New York City hovers around $58,000 annually, yet several of Mamdani’s closest advisers reportedly earn between $10,000 and $12,000 a month. “His city hall team will largely consist of those in their twenties and thirties,” stated Ken Friedman, a former spokesperson for Rudy Giuliani.
Some critics point out that Mamdani’s team has significantly less government experience than previous administrations. The city’s governance, particularly in New York’s context, poses its own set of challenges, particularly regarding budgets and unions.
Morris Katz, a key operative, seems aware that their youth could be a liability. He previously gave misleading information about his age to media outlets.
There’s also a burgeoning divide between Mamdani’s inner group and the broader Democratic operative community. Tensions particularly arose after former mayoral candidate and city secretary Brad Lander joined Mamdani’s team, causing some seasoned players to feel sidelined.
Allison Hirsch, Lander’s former campaign director, countered claims of friction, stating, “Brad and Zohran communicate frequently. They’re both dedicated to making sure Zohran becomes the next mayor.”
Mamdani has tried to address concerns regarding his inexperience by arguing that it allows him to operate without the burdens of prior political baggage. He reiterated this point after recent bribery allegations surfaced against one of Mayor Eric Adams’ associates.
“Zohran is proud to be surrounded by a diverse team focused on working-class issues,” said campaign spokesman Dora Pekec. “What binds them is a collective aim to create a more affordable city.”
Key Team Members
Eliana (El) Bisgaard Church, 34, is viewed as Mamdani’s most trusted advisor. With a prestigious education from Columbia University, her political experience is primarily linked to her work with Mamdani.
Morris Katz, at 26, is also significant to the campaign, having been a central figure since its inception. He described his approach to politics as more of an art than a sport.
Another important aide is Julian Garson, 29, who has a background in New York’s elite social circles and has previously worked for prominent politicians.
Donald Borenstein, 34, is credited with producing many of Mamdani’s viral campaign videos and has reportedly earned over $60,000 for his contributions.
Then there’s Andrew Epstein, 38, who has taken on roles ranging from communications director to creative director since working on Mamdani’s bid.
Zara Rahim, 33, is a former advisor to Barack Obama and has worked with various high-profile figures, including Mariah Carey.
Finally, there’s Celia (CEA) Weaver, a housing advisor known for her controversial views on private property. Her advocacy work has stirred discussions about her radical approach to housing policies.
In summary, Mamdani’s circle, while young and relatively inexperienced, comprises individuals from influential backgrounds, raising questions about how they’ll address the complex demands of New York City’s governance.
