The Name is Mamdani

Earlier this month, a 33-year-old political newcomer named Zohran Mamdani swept the New York mayoral primary, running against the well-known former NY governor, Andrew Cuomo. It was one of the greatest political upsets in modern history.

Photo credit: Madison Swart

So how did this newbie pull off such a long-shot victory? Two words: Grassroots movement.  Beginning with just 1 % in the early polls, Mamdani launched a campaign that transcended his base in the Democratic Socialists of America. 

He was able to galvanize 30,000 canvassers across the city, effectively used social and visual media, and focused his platform on issues directly affecting average people, like the rising costs of housing, childcare, and groceries. He mobilized young people to register to vote, spiking voter registration in the final weeks before the election to a whopping 37,000, compared to just 3,000 in 2021. This transformed his fringe candidacy into a widespread, people-powered movement.

The success of his campaign strategy shows just how powerful we are when we stand together. We fight on, folks. Let’s keep building the resistance together.