Take a moment to reflect on Thomas Dewey’s experience. Politics can be incredibly unpredictable. Polls sometimes miss the mark, and even the most seasoned analysts aren’t always accurate. Just look at the shock when Dewey lost to Harry Truman back in 1948. That kind of surprise isn’t new—Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump in 2016, and Kamala Harris in 2024 all faced unexpected challenges.
Like many others, I never anticipated that Zoran Mamdani would emerge victorious in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York.
So, here’s a bold assertion: I believe Mamdani will surpass both Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa by a considerable margin to claim the mayoralty of New York City.
Regardless of the outcome, Mamdani’s unexpected journey carries lessons that Democrats should not overlook. First, let’s talk about age. There’s a growing sentiment among Americans that they’re weary of the stagnant political leadership in place. As Mamdani points out, experience isn’t the gold standard anymore. Politicians with years under their belts have contributed to the mess we face today. Voters want fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and new representatives, and that’s exactly what Mamdani brings.
The second takeaway? Focus on practical issues. While it might be tempting to delve into serious topics like threats to democracy or constitutional concerns, that’s not what resonates with most voters. They care about tangible issues like rising rents, the scarcity of affordable housing, childcare availability, and food costs. Mamdani’s primary focus was simply “affordability.”
Thirdly, think outside the box. Inspired by Bernie Sanders, whose 2016 campaign motivated him, Mamdani isn’t shy about proposing bold ideas, even if they seem far-fetched. For Sanders, it was about universal healthcare; for Mamdani, it’s making public transit free and faster, freezing rents for stabilized apartments, and reducing utility costs. He speaks directly to the everyday challenges New Yorkers face, bringing their concerns to the forefront instead of disparaging them.
Fourth, address Trump head-on. While Mamdani didn’t center the election on national issues, Trump couldn’t stay out of it. In a recent commentary, he labeled Mamdani a “100 percent communist lunatic.” On “60 Minutes,” he remarked that he looks “better” than Mamdani and primarily backed Cuomo, even threatening to defund New York City should Mamdani win. If elected, Mamdani could face consequences, like the halting of the important Gateway Tunnel project connecting New York and New Jersey.
In reaction, Mamdani positioned himself as a strong opponent to Trump, indicating he is ready to stand his ground in the absence of Cuomo and Sliwa. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with Trump, but made it clear he will oppose any actions that threaten New Yorkers, like increasing ICE presence or cutting crucial infrastructure funding.
Fifth, don’t shy away from criticizing foreign leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What surprised many about Mamdani was that he could be openly pro-Palestinian and critical of the Israeli government in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations worldwide. I, too, was skeptical about this approach.
However, Mamdani understands the nuance. He believes one can support Israel while critiquing Netanyahu’s aggressive tactics, especially in light of the devastating impact of the Gaza conflict, where significant civilian casualties have been reported, including countless children and women. Just as it isn’t un-American to critique Trump, criticizing Netanyahu shouldn’t be seen as anti-Semitic.
Sure, Mamdani may not win everywhere, but as Democrats look to the upcoming midterm elections, there’s a lot to take away from his campaign style and message. They can stick to the safe, conventional politics embodied by figures like Chuck Schumer, who chose not to support Mamdani and subsequently risk losing ground. Or, they can embrace Mamdani’s fresh, thrilling approach and potentially reclaim power in the House and Senate.
