ABC News Daily How Zohran Mamdani won over New York
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Nov 4, 2025 
Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for Political Studies at the Niskanen Center, dives into the intriguing rise of Zohran Mamdani, a young, Muslim, Democratic socialist and a surprising contender for New York City mayor. They discuss Mamdani's bold policies like rent reforms, universal childcare, and public housing. Kabaservice explores the challenges Mamdani faces in implementing his agenda and critiques from opponents like Andrew Cuomo. Finally, they consider how Mamdani's success could reshape the Democratic landscape and engage younger voters.
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Rapid Rise From Obscurity
- Zohran Mamdani rose quickly from political obscurity to become a frontrunner for New York mayor.
- He had little prior elective experience before winning his Assembly seat in 2021 and then the Democratic nomination.
What 'Democratic Socialist' Means Here
- Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and sits on the party's far left.
- Geoff Kabaservice contrasts democratic socialism with social democracy and warns democratic socialism aims to end capitalism.
Ambitious Affordability Platform
- Mamdani's platform targets affordability: rent measures, free buses, universal childcare and large public housing builds.
- He proposes funding via higher corporate tax and raising income tax on those making over $1 million.