City Journal Audio How Did Zohran Mamdani Win?
Nov 19, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Renu Mukherjee, a commentator on demographic trends, and Santiago Vidal Calvo, a political analyst focused on urban politics, explore the factors behind Zohran Mamdani's unexpected victory in New York City's mayoral race. They delve into the impact of immigrant voters, the shifting dynamics within the Latino community, and how Mamdani's campaign strategy resonated with diverse populations. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for progressive policies and the changing electoral landscape in America.
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Host's Travel And Election Fixation
- Raphael Mangual described being stuck traveling and returning to New York while obsessing over the mayoral result.
- He invited Renu Mukherjee and Santiago Vidal Calvo to analyze the demographics behind Mamdani's victory.
Recent Immigrants Shifted The Electorate
- New arrivals and recent immigrants (under 10 years) were decisive in Mamdani's win.
- His five years of targeted outreach to low-propensity South Asian voters paid off.
Affordability Over Cultural Conservatism
- Many Latino voters prioritized affordability over cultural conservatism when choosing Mamdani.
- Voters backed the candidate who addressed their immediate economic pressures rather than traditional ideological labels.