In a stunning shift in New York City’s political landscape, Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is now leading in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary — prompting fierce pushback from within his own party.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded to Mamdani late Tuesday after the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist surged ahead in the primary. And now, moderate Democrats are sounding the alarm over what they say is a dangerous lurch to the far-left — with Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) issuing a direct warning: “Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City.”
In a sharply worded statement following the primary shakeup, Rep. Gillen accused Mamdani of campaigning on false hopes, dangerous rhetoric, and economic proposals that could crush the city’s fragile middle class.
“His entire campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes, which is the last thing New York needs,” Gillen said.
But her criticism didn’t stop at economics.
“Beyond that, Mr. Mamdani has called to defund the police and has demonstrated a deeply disturbing pattern of unacceptable anti-Semitic comments which stoke hate at a time when antisemitism is skyrocketing,” she warned. “He is the absolute wrong choice for New York.”
Her comments reflect growing concern among centrist Democrats and conservatives alike that Mamdani’s brand of radical left-wing politics could further destabilize a city already reeling from crime, inflation, and the collapse of public trust in local government.
Mamdani, a self-described socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, built his campaign around flashy progressive proposals — including a push for government-run grocery stores in New York City.
In a campaign video, Mamdani said:
“We will redirect city funds from corporate supermarkets to city-owned grocery stores whose mission is to lower prices, not price gouging. These stores will operate without a profit motive, or having to pay property taxes or rent, and will pass on those savings to you.”
According to The Federalist, this proposal has raised red flags among fiscal conservatives who warn it’s a textbook example of socialist policy creeping into American cities under the guise of “equity.” The plan resembles Venezuela-style central planning, where the government replaces the private sector — usually to disastrous results.
Despite these concerns, Mamdani’s platform has energized progressive voters, especially younger residents, and won support from some of the Democratic Party’s most radical voices — including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
“At this dangerous moment in history, status quo politics isn’t good enough,” Sanders said in his endorsement. “We need new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests and fight for the working class. Zohran Mamdani is providing that vision. He is the best choice for NYC mayor.”
After 93% of the votes were counted, Mamdani held a 7-point lead with 43.5% of the vote (432,305 votes) over Cuomo’s 36.4% (361,840 votes). New York City Comptroller Brad Lander came in a distant third at 11.3%.
Although Cuomo officially conceded, the city’s ranked choice voting system means the final outcome won’t be certified until second- and third-choice preferences are fully tallied. Still, Mamdani’s lead is substantial — and the momentum is clearly on his side.
“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo said, according to The Hill. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night and he put together a great campaign, and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote.”
Mamdani celebrated his apparent victory by posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.”
As noted by The Daily Wire, Mamdani’s rise signals more than just a political shift in NYC — it reflects a growing split inside the Democratic Party between far-left progressives and more traditional liberals.
For conservatives watching from outside the five boroughs, this race is a cautionary tale. The city that once gave America Rudy Giuliani now stands on the edge of electing a socialist mayor backed by the defund-the-police movement, open antisemitic rhetoric, and a radical economic agenda.
The Washington Examiner notes that Mamdani’s win could spark a wave of leftist copycats in other major cities, especially as D.C. progressives try to recast socialism as “the new mainstream.”
If Mamdani clinches the mayoralty, conservatives — and even moderate Democrats — will be watching closely to see just how far New York City slides under his leadership.
Will voters wake up to what’s happening before November? Or will the Big Apple become the next failed socialist experiment?
Either way, the stakes have never been higher.
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