The Take 2025 in Review: How Zohran Mamdani shocked New York
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Dec 26, 2025 Max Rivlin-Nadler, co-owner and reporter at Hell Gate NYC, dives into the meteoric rise of Zohran Mamdani, the socialist and Muslim assemblyman turned mayoral candidate. They explore how Mamdani's focus on affordability and grassroots outreach energized a diverse electorate. Rivlin-Nadler contrasts his engaging retail politics with the aloofness of past leaders, while discussing the impact of ranked choice voting. The conversation touches on the challenges Mamdani faced, including backlash over his pro-Palestine stance and threats tied to his identity.
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From Obscurity To Front-Runner
- Zohran Mamdani rose from 1% in polls to frontrunner by centering affordability and grassroots organizing.
- His background as a foreclosure specialist and assemblyman shaped a campaign focused on tenants' needs.
Affordability As The Campaign Core
- Mamdani framed his campaign around affordability: free buses, free childcare, and a rent freeze for rent-stabilized tenants.
- Those concrete, city-level proposals translated into mass appeal across working-class communities.
Social Media + Street-Level Authenticity
- Viral, authentic videos on TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp amplified his doorstep interactions and cultural outreach.
- Showing him at Iftar, with cab drivers and halal cart owners made his messaging feel organic and broadening.