Latest news with #progressivePolitics
Bloomberg
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Wall Street Democrats Sweat as DNC Chair Navigates Mamdani Surge
The mood was uneasy as Democratic donors gathered at a Midtown steakhouse for lunch. The night before, progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani had all but clinched the party's nomination for New York mayor — triggering fears by moderates that national Democrats might veer toward socialism. Over crispy artichokes, shrimp and salmon, Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin sought to reassure them.
UAE Moments
a day ago
- Politics
- UAE Moments
Zohran Mamdani: NYC's Rising Progressive Voice
Zohran Mamdani, once known as the rapper 'Young Cardamom,' is now one of New York City's most dynamic progressive leaders. Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, Mamdani brings a global perspective to local politics, championing fare-free transit, housing justice, and economic equity. As a Democratic Socialist and a powerful community advocate, his journey from music to policy highlights a commitment to making NYC affordable and fair for all. 1- Globally rooted upbringing Born in Kampala, Uganda (1991), spent early childhood there and later in Cape Town, South Africa, before moving to NYC at age 7. Graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and holds a BA in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. 2- Former rapper with a political beat Performed under the moniker Young Cardamom ('Mr Cardamom'), collaborating on the EP Sidda Mukyaalo and tracks like 'Nani'. Blended social commentary and South Asian cultural identity in his music, which later fueled his transition into politics. 3- Political lineage & family Son of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair and historian Mahmood Mamdani, giving him exposure to the arts, academia, and global affairs. 4- From counselor to legislator Worked as a housing and foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens, which shaped his commitment to affordability and tenant rights. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing Queens' 36th district—including Astoria and Long Island City—with re‑elections in 2022 and 2024. 5- Democratic Socialist & changemaker A prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America, endorsed by figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC. Championed fare‑free bus pilots, blocked a fossil fuel peaker plant in Astoria, and helped secure $100M+ in state funding for public transit. 6- Historic mayoral bid Running for NYC Mayor in 2025, advocating bold economic justice policies: free buses & childcare, rent freezes, city‑run grocery stores, and a $30/hr minimum wage by 2030. Would be the city's first Muslim and Indian‑American mayor if elected. 7- Global and local fluency Fluent or conversant in Urdu/Hindi, Bengali, Spanish, and uses multilingual messaging in campaign materials. Co‑founded Bowdoin's Students for Justice in Palestine, reflecting long‑held activism on global human rights. 8- Personal life & interests Became a U.S. citizen in 2018; practices as a Twelver Shia Muslim. Married Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji, whom he met on Hinge, and they live in Astoria. Avid fan of Arsenal FC, the NY Mets, and the NY Giants 9- Digital-native campaigning Zohran Mamdani blends global heritage, grassroots engagement, creative flair, and progressive policy into a candidate reshaping NYC politics.
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
NYC Mayor Adams Criticizes Mamdani in Re-Election Campaign Launch
New York City Mayor Eric Adams began campaigning in earnest for re-election Thursday as an independent candidate, attacking presumptive Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani by criticizing some of his progressive platforms. Mamdani has promised free bus rides and rent freezes for rent-stabilized apartments. The mayor tried to differentiate himself from his rival during a campaign event, denouncing socialism and saying New York is a place where cabdrivers can become doctors and homeless people can become real estate moguls.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Calls Mamdani a 'Communist Lunatic' After NYC Primary Upset
Zohran Mamdani; President Donald Trump Credit - Madison Swart—Hans Lucas/AFP/Getty Images; Beata Zawrzel—NurPhoto/Getty Images Zohran Mamdani delivered a stunning upset Tuesday night, drawing enough votes in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary to emerge as the likely winner. The success by the 33-year-old Democratic socialist prompted President Donald Trump to express his displeasure in a series of posts attacking the state assemblyman's appearance, voice, and intelligence while referencing his progressive political allies and calling him 'a 100% Communist Lunatic.' 'Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart.' In a separate post, Trump mocked Democrats in Congress for backing Mamdani, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Trump also called Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 'our Great Palestinian Senator,' asserting, 'Cryin' Chuck Schumer… is groveling over' Mamdani. With Mamdani positioned as the likely Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, the general election campaign is expected to draw national attention as a test case for progressive politics in America's largest city. Trump's early intervention in the race suggests Republicans may view the contest as an opportunity to highlight what they characterize as the Democratic Party's leftward drift. Mamdani has represented Astoria, Queens in the State Assembly since 2021. His mayoral platform includes making city buses free, freezing rent increases on rent-stabilized apartments, and opening city-run grocery stores—funded by a $10 billion tax hike on businesses and the wealthy. He has also taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance, drawing criticism from pro-Israel groups and making foreign policy an unexpected focal point in the New York City mayoral race. He has publicly stated that as mayor, he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York, citing International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued in November 2024. Mamdani has also led chants in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement at pro-Palestinian protests. Contact us at letters@
New York Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
How Brad Lander Helped Push Zohran Mamdani Toward Victory
The night before Tuesday's Democratic primary in New York City, Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander appeared on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' bringing their progressive bromance to a national viewership. Ostensibly running against each other to be New York's next mayor, their alliance showcased what parliamentary-style coalition politics could look like in the age of so much vitriol and polarization. Not long before early voting began, the candidates cross-endorsed each other in the name of an ideological victory and the defeat of the better-known, better-funded front-runner. 'We both agree that corrupt, abusive Andrew Cuomo should not be allowed anywhere near City Hall,' Mr. Lander, the city's comptroller, said on the show, as the studio audience cheered. And now it looks as if he won't. Against the predictions of nearly all polling, Mr. Mamdani is on track for a decisive win — and not after the tallying of several rounds of ranked-choice voting, assumed to be the only route to defeating an opponent with such an imposing advantage. Mr. Mamdani leads in the first round of counting by 7 percentage points, a margin significant enough that Mr. Cuomo quickly conceded on Tuesday night. The result could reasonably lead to the assumption that a still-novel method of ballot casting in New York had little to do with the outcome. But in fact, ranked-choice voting, now in place in at least 60 jurisdictions around the country, shaped the competition from the beginning. It rewards a campaign style that played to Mr. Mamdani's strengths: ever-present, on-the-street, nonstop voter engagement. Mr. Mamdani was doing everything — even jumping into the freezing cold ocean to call attention to his proposal for a rent freeze — and his many thousands of campaign volunteers were everywhere. All of this stood in sharp contrast to Mr. Cuomo's I've-got-this-locked-up strategy, one that relied heavily on big-money TV advertising, little noticed by voters under 70, and the conviction that there was no one well-known or formidable or experienced enough to beat him. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
