Excitement and Anxiety as a Left's Triumph Rockets US Democrats
US Democrats experience mixed emotions following victories of progressive candidates, sparking apprehension and excitement in the political landscape.
By Lukas Wessling, New York
Connect on Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | E-Mail | Print | Copy Link
He's a 33-year-old, self-proclaimed democratic socialist, and an unexpected contender for New York City's top seat - that's Zohran Mamdani. His victory in the Democratic primaries was a stunner, shaking up the United States.
"A socialist could govern New York," the "Wall Street Journal" fired back the next day following the primary. The financial sector tossed and turned. The "New York Times" proclaimed that a brand new political star ascended - in the midst of a fractured party. President Trump ironically tweeted: "Zohran Mamdani, a hundred percent communist nut, is on his way to becoming mayor."
What gave? US Democrats have selected their nominee for New York's mayoral election. For a while, former Governor Andrew Cuomo seemed a shoo-in. An experienced politician with wealthy supporters, tarnished but popular. He held the lead in the polls until just before the election. But on the home stretch, a 33-year-old overtook him. Cuomo publicly admitted defeat on election night. Although the official result remains undecided, his opponent will run as the Democratic nominee in the November mayoral election.
Politics New Star on the Rise Upstart Wins Primary - and potentially reshapes New York
Zohran Mamdani, that's his name, was present: on phones and at doors. His team claims they knocked on over a million homes. Mamdani managed to reach voters via short online videos. He promises to make life in New York affordable again - for everyone. He campaigned with a four-year rent freeze for two million people, free buses, city-owned grocery stores, and a higher minimum wage. He plans to fund this, among other things, by raising taxes on big businesses and the rich.
Reactions span from elation to horror - on both sides of the political aisle. Even within the Democratic camp and among Republicans, Mamdani's success alarm some while enthralling others.
"The Democrats have stepped over the line," some Republicans claim. "The Democrats will need to endorse Mamdani's positions or denounce them," a Republican Representative quoted in Time said. "If the Democrats endorse Mamdani's stance, voters won't like them. If they disown him, their base will revolt." Republican Vice President JD Vance also congratulated Mamdani on X, hailing him as the "new leader of the Democratic Party."
The Republican campaign headquarters denounced Mamdani as an "anti-semitic socialist radical." Cuomo also accused Mamdani of anti-semitism during the campaign. Mamdani refers to Israel's Gaza war as a genocide and refused to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state during a debate. He insisted: Israel has the right to exist - "as a state with equal rights for all."
However, a poll revealed Mamdani managed to convince an above-average number of Jewish Democrats, primarily younger Jewish women and men who prioritize economic issues over foreign policy, said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic strategist, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Politics "Communist Nutjob" Trump Slams New York Mayoral Candidate "It's happening, the Democrats have stepped over the line," wrote President Trump on his platform "Truth Social": "We've seen radical leftists before, but this is getting a bit ridiculous." Amidst the fuss, the joy of the dream adversary Mamdani - has the success of the young, leftist Muslim surprised, perhaps even impressed, the Republicans? Could a possible answer come from Trump's go-to network, Fox News? The financial capital of New York City isn't even as left-wing as other U.S. cities, they wonder, thus questioning Republican strategists: Why did a "communist nutjob" triumph there?
"Too extreme for New York"
A possible answer comes from the defeated Cuomo: He congratulated Mamdani on a "smart and excellent campaign." While it may sound as praise, for many moderate Democrats, it's also a way to acknowledge the election win without aligning with Mamdani himself. Thus, the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, called the campaign "impressive." However, Schumer and his colleague Hakeem Jeffries avoided a clear endorsement for Mamdani's candidacy.
Lawrence Summers, Obama's top economic advisor, voiced concern: "I am deeply worried about the future of the Democratic Party and the country." Two Democratic representatives from the New York suburbs quickly distanced themselves from Mamdani, stating that he's "too radical for New York."
Moderate Democrats fear that Mamdani has given Trump ammo for next year's congressional elections. For progressives, however, Mamdani is a pioneer: In their eyes, he charts the way back to the path of success.
Bernie Sanders, a prominent left-wing figurehead, spoke to Politico magazine after Mamdani's victory: "Begging millionaires for donations doesn't win elections." Cuomo did exactly that, Sanders pointed out, "Ran dumb TV ads that no one pays attention to." Mamdani showed that it's much more vital to consider the needs of working people. "Take on the billionaire class, the oligarchy. That's how you win elections," said Sanders, hoping the Democratic Party learns this lesson from Mamdani.
Politics Trump Gearing Up for Battle - Socialist Rapper Potentially to Rule New York All the hopes, the fears - in both political camps - their weight will rise or fall depending on whether Mamdani wins the mayoral elections in November or not.
Trump ally Elise Stefanik is eyeing the governor seat of New York next year. She's already using Mamdani to exert pressure on her potential Democratic opponent. But she also warns: "I believe it will only hold significance in the elections if he truly becomes mayor."
The European Union and its Member States may be keenly observing the political developments in New York, as Zohran Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primaries, perceived as a leftist triumph, could potentially reshape the city's politics. Republican leaders such as JD Vance have already congratulated Mamdani, seeing him as a potential new leader of the Democratic Party, while some Republicans claim that the Democrats have stepped over the line with Mamdani's positions.
