The Red and Green Flags of Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign

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The upcoming New York City mayoral election is fast approaching, and enthusiasm for the Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is ever climbing. Mamdani is redefining the expectations citizens have of political candidates and his methods are forging new ground in terms of how politicians approach elections. 

Despite the excitement that stems from the young mayoral candidate’s understanding of TikTok and his down-to-earth presentation, voters must remain wary of underlying old-school election boobytraps. 

Through election campaigns, politicians identify themselves with a set of goals and promises they wish to implement for the betterment of their communities. Voters, in turn, are responsible for pragmatically considering these terms and selecting who they judge to be the best option for themselves and those around them. However, this innocent process in theory becomes corrupted in practice.

Corruption? In politics? Crazy, I know, but bear with me here.

A 2004 study revealed that voter rationality yields to emotion —particularly negative emotions, including fear and anger— when election seasons come around. Over two decades later, in the midst of a tide-shifting New York City mayoral election, the time calls for a reconsideration of the impact of these voting behaviors. 

Are our decisions dictated by our policy preferences or our subconscious? 

In a New York Times article, the author described how the allure of infuriating those on the other side of the aisle was enough motivation to cast a vote for Mamdani. The article discusses how much the “vibe” that a politician exudes sways voter decision making. While ideally, the person assuming office would be likable, voters shouldn’t fall into the trap of getting carried away by charisma. 

The Democratic nominee’s online persona lends him to have increased popularity among young Americans. Although the attitudes expressed by the Times article seem more antagonistic than enthusiastic, the support for Mamdani appears to be genuine.

There’s no doubt that Mamdani’s interest and passion for his policies is authentic, but are Democrats just looking through partisan rose-colored glasses? This discussion leads to the next common mousetrap in elections: the discrepancy between legislative promises and follow through. 

On the surface, Mamdani looks like the economic dream for average New Yorkers looking for cheaper costs of living, such as more affordable housing, lower grocery prices, and higher minimum wage. His emphasis on taking action and making change if elected has been key to garnering support, in addition to his social media and canvassing strategies. 

But, this change-hungry candidate might be biting off more than he can chew, or pay for, which might make the financial state of New York City akin to a dine-and-dash. 

With Mamdani throwing out extravagant promises of a utopian NYC in which one could purchase an iced latte for less than double digits, his promises come across less as a realistic effort to make change and more as a financial pipe dream.

Keep in mind that a lot of areas Mamdani hopes to reform, such as transportation, are not directly under his control. This means that even if he is confirmed and sworn into office, effective change may take more time and effort to implement. 

This is not a dig against Mamdani and his platform, but rather a reminder to the eager voter wanting to avoid that absurd rush-hour Metro North fee that political activism and progress does not start and end with electing a mayor. Despite what movies might have us believe, mayors are not some supreme, omnipotent local authority that can speak legislation into existence. Momentum from political victory cannot be laid to waste.

While there remains a lot of ground to cover as far as holding politicians to their promises and staying involved beyond election day, this election could act as a catalyst for breeding more candidates that serve as enthusiastic options instead of last resorts.

Studies show that Mamdani’s campaign had a significant positive effect on young voters. He has managed something rare in today’s politics: eliciting youth participation out of genuine support as opposed to a lesser-of-two-evils scenario. 

All red flags considered, there is no doubting that NYC is witnessing the dawn of a new kind of mayoral race. Mamdani has reinvigorated the youth vote and acted as the much-needed grassroots, neighborhood option in an election dominated by millionaires and names that have been worn out by news cycles. 

Not to sound like a broken record, but the race does not end when we cross that finish line on November 4. Whoever ends up in Gracie Mansion will continue to rely on their supporters throughout their time in office. So, if you’re following the race now, turn on those alerts and push notifications, because a mayor is only as strong as their base.

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This article was edited by Whitney Woodrow