Bonus Episode: A Pivotal Mayoral Race for NYC’s Jews - with Howard Wolfson

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Jun 21, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Howard Wolfson, a political strategist and former NYC Deputy Mayor, shares insights on the crucial New York City mayoral primary. He dives into the implications of socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani's controversial positions on Israel and antisemitism, revealing the tensions within the Jewish community. Wolfson highlights the significance of voter turnout in this polarized race, contrasting ideologies between candidates, and the critical role language plays in shaping public perception in this pivotal election.

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INSIGHT

NYC Jewish Concerns in Mayoral Race

The NYC mayoral race is significant nationally due to the Jewish community's concern over candidates' positions on Israel and antisemitism.
Zohran Mamdani's rise worries many because of his past activism and controversial views on Israel.

INSIGHT

NYC Mayoral Primary & Ranked Choice Voting

NYC Democratic primary winner likely becomes mayor due to city's political makeup.
Ranked choice voting lets voters rank up to five candidates, influencing vote reallocation as candidates drop out.

INSIGHT

NYC Mayor's Enormous Impact

NYC mayor commands a massive operational and budgetary scale, akin to leading a country.
The role has national political significance because of NYC's cultural and financial influence.

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Today’s Episode:

For New York City Jews, there are two major news stories that are front of mind. There is, of course, Israel’s war with Iran. And then there is the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, which will take place this Tuesday, June 24th.

This year’s NYC mayoral election is of particular consequence because of 33-year-old self-proclaimed socialist Zohran Mamdani, to many Jewish New Yorkers because of his positions on antisemitism and Israel. In college, Mamdani co-founded “Students for Justice in Palestine.” Now, while he claims to be concerned about raising antisemitism, he defends the phrase “globalize the intifada.” When asked about his position on Israel two weeks ago, Mamdani said that as mayor, he would bring NYC back into compliance with international law, suggesting that the city administration’s support for Israel is illegal.

To unpack this significant election cycle, we are joined by Howard Wolfson, who leads the Education Program of Bloomberg Philanthropies. From 2010 to 2013, Howard served as the NYC Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs and Communications – where he oversaw local, state, and federal government relations, with particular involvement in the education, transportation, and technology sectors. Howard currently runs Former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg's SuperPAC and continues to advise Bloomberg on matters of politics and communications.

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CREDITS:

ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor

MARTIN HUERGO - Sound Editor

MARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional Editing

MAYA RACKOFF - Operations Director

GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research

YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer