The Excerpt Democrats escape the political wilderness with Mamdani win
Nov 5, 2025
Michael Collins, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, dives into the political implications of Zohran Mamdani's recent victory as New York's mayor-elect. Collins discusses how Mamdani's win offers Democrats a pathway back to working-class voters and the significance of his affordability policies. The conversation explores Mamdani's proposals for rent freezes and city-run grocery pilots while also addressing potential shifts in party policies towards the left. He emphasizes Mamdani's growing national profile and the Republicans' strategy to use him as a foil in future elections.
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Affordability As A National Democratic Strategy
- Mamdani's win gives Democrats a possible blueprint focused on affordability to win back working-class voters.
- His messaging on housing and groceries may be tested nationwide in 2026 and 2028 campaigns.
Victory Could Become A Political Liability
- Some Democrats worry Mamdani's socialist label will fuel Republican attacks and hurt the party’s image.
- Republicans will portray his victory as proof Democrats are moving too far left.
Expect Nationwide GOP Messaging Campaign
- Republicans will tie Mamdani to Democratic congressional candidates to nationalize his image.
- Expect targeted messaging making him the symbol of a leftward shift in battleground races.