New York: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has given a major push to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani by naming him her top choice in June 24 primary. In an interview with The New York Times, AOC unveiled her full list of preferred candidates for the mayor’s seat, placing Mamdani at the top. Her endorsement is seen as highly influential, especially among young and progressive voters.
Along with Mamdani, AOC’s list includes Adrienne Adams, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, and Zellnor Myrie. However, it is Mamdani who stands out as her first choice, a sign that she believes he represents the bold change many progressive New Yorkers are looking for.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani is a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and a current state assemblyman from Queens. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he moved to New York City when he was seven. His mother is the well-known filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father is a professor at Columbia University. Mamdani became a US citizen in 2018 after completing his studies at the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College.
Now in his third term in the New York State Assembly, Mamdani is known for pushing bold progressive ideas. These include making city buses free for all, freezing rents on rent-stabilized apartments, and opening government-run grocery stores in areas that lack access to affordable food.
Mandani’s campaign gains strong momentum
Mamdani’s campaign has gained strong momentum in recent weeks. Over 20,000 volunteers have been actively campaigning for him by going door-to-door across the city. He also has key endorsements from the progressive Working Families Party and Shawn Fain, the influential president of the United Auto Workers, as reported by The Mint.
Though former governor Andrew Cuomo is slightly ahead of Mamdani in current first-choice polling, ranked-choice simulations suggest that Mamdani is quickly closing the gap. In a debate, Mamdani strongly criticized Cuomo, calling him corrupt. He described himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare”, a progressive, Muslim immigrant who fights for justice and equity.
Cuomo responded by questioning Mamdani’s experience, but the battle has drawn clear lines between establishment politics and new progressive energy.
