Morning Wire New York on the Brink: The Race That Could Radically Reshape the Left
Nov 2, 2025
Caroline Downey, a National Review writer and columnist, dives into the high-stakes New York mayoral race. She discusses the controversial candidacy of Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, and the implications of dark money ties and his past radicalism. Downey highlights how immigrant voters are shaping the election, challenging media narratives. She warns that a Mamdani win could weaken policing and public safety. The conversation also touches on the shift away from centrist Democrats, fueled by younger, disenchanted voters.
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Foreign Ties Powering A Local Race
- Zoran Mamdani's campaign shows unusual foreign and dark-money ties that concern some observers.
- Caroline Downey highlights associations with radical Islamist figures and Open Society-linked networks as worrying.
Investigations Unlikely To Change Outcome
- Congressional Republicans urged DOJ probes into Mamdani, but Downey doubts immediate impact on the election.
- She still calls for investigations into dark-money and questionable campaign associations.
Demographics Driving Momentum
- New York's electorate has a high foreign-born share and large youth cohort shaping the race.
- Downey says immigrant and young transplant voters drive much of Mamdani's momentum.