The Story The New York mayoral candidate making left-wing economics trendy again
Jun 29, 2025
Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor at The Times, discusses the rise of Zohran Mamdani, the young democratic socialist candidate for New York mayor. His charismatic style is captivating a broad audience and challenging traditional political norms. The conversation highlights Mamdani's progressive policies aimed at affordability and their resonance with voters disillusioned by conventional strategies. Khan explores the trend of economic populism and its significance in reshaping the Democratic Party landscape, particularly among younger constituents.
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Mamdani's Viral Rise
- Zohran Mamdani gained viral attention on social media for his charismatic democratic socialist message.
- His relatable identity and engaging outreach in multiple languages sparked enthusiasm across diverse communities.
Shift to Progressive Democrats
- Mamdani's win signals a shift within the Democratic Party towards young, progressive, anti-establishment candidates.
- His victory on a national stage highlights growing dissatisfaction with party norms and an appetite for change.
Economic Focus in Campaign
- Mamdani's campaign focuses heavily on cost-of-living issues like affordable housing and transportation.
- This pragmatic economic approach contrasts with past Democratic focus on cultural or identity matters.