A young socialist’s path to becoming mayor of NYC exposed the rift between Democrats and the factions that shape US elections.
Zohran Mamdani was the likely front-runner in the New York mayoral race. His promise to make life more affordable for working-class New Yorkers, combined with his outspoken criticism of Israel’s crimes against the Palestinians, led to a powerful coalition of opponents pouring millions into defeating him. Mamdani’s rise also revealed deep divisions within the Democratic Party, whose leadership either refused to endorse him or waited months before doing so. Ultimately, his campaign served as a litmus test for the growing gap between what voters want and what elected officials and their donors are willing to offer.
Bigger Than Zohran takes you into the battle for New York — and the future of the Democratic Party.
Published on November 5, 2025