The Brian Lehrer Show The Mamdani Coalition
Nov 6, 2025
Michael Lang, a New York City-based writer and political strategist, delves into the coalition that powered Zohran Mamdani's stunning mayoral victory. He breaks down his unique block-by-block election prediction methodology and reflects on tactical voting trends. Lang explores voter shifts, highlighting Mamdani's success in reclaiming immigrant neighborhoods and the surprising crossover of Trump voters. He also discusses the influence of authenticity on voter alignment and the significance of changing demographics in the election landscape.
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New Rainbow Coalition Replaces Old Power
- Mamdani built a multiracial, labor-oriented coalition similar to a modern Dinkins coalition across Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn.
- Cuomo's opposition resembled a shrinking wealthy-Manhattan and white ethnic coalition that can no longer dominate citywide.
Immigrant Neighborhoods Shift Back
- Mamdani regained many Hispanic, Muslim, and South Asian working-class neighborhoods that swung toward Trump in 2024.
- Middle-class Chinese neighborhoods were more resistant and showed signs of a longer political realignment.
Black Voters Tipped The Scale
- Black New Yorkers swung decisively to Mamdani, turning prior Cuomo leads into double-digit Mamdani margins.
- Those black-voter gains were critical to Mamdani surpassing 50% and winning comfortably.