New York Progressives Shocked as Trump Gains in NYC; Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign Focuses on Affordability
New York progressives were surprised when President Donald Trump made gains in many New York City neighborhoods in 2024. But New York State Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Uganda-born member of the left-wing Democratic Socialists of America, sought to understand why by interviewing Trump voters on the streets.
He discovered the same nationwide phenomenon driving Trump’s victory: frustration with the high cost of living, especially among working-class voters. This issue is particularly acute in New York, often ranked among the world’s most expensive cities, largely due to astronomical housing costs. The city’s median home sale price in February 2025 was $853,000 — nearly double the national median of $438,000.
Now running for mayor in the June 24 Democratic primary, Mamdani’s campaign centers on lowering the cost of living. His platform includes policies such as free buses and a freeze on rents for the city’s roughly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments.
This message has propelled Mamdani — previously known mainly as the son of filmmaker Mira Nair — into contention for the Democratic nomination. The mayoral race features an unusual mix of candidates: a far-left Democratic Socialist, a scandal-plagued former mayor who switched parties after cozying up to Trump, and a disgraced ex-governor seeking a political comeback.
A May 28 Emerson College poll shows Mamdani in second place with 23%, trailing former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 35%. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is third with 11%. Mamdani also leads in individual donors, followed by Lander. In June, Mamdani earned the endorsement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the city’s most prominent progressive.
Polls underscore New Yorkers’ concern about affordability: a Siena College survey in April found 94% believe it’s a serious problem.
Ironically, the same affordability issue that helped Trump swing parts of the city is driving Mamdani’s rise among progressive alternatives to Cuomo.
“I think New Yorkers are hungry for a different kind of politics,” Mamdani told USA TODAY. “They’re hungry for a politics that puts working people first.”
Mayor Eric Adams’ Campaign Struggles Amid Legal Troubles
In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one, the Democratic primary often decides the mayor. But this year, Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the Democratic race to run as an independent.
Adams’ campaign faltered amid a September 2024 federal indictment on bribery, fraud, and campaign finance charges. He has raised less money and earned no endorsements compared to rivals. A March poll showed only 20% approval of his performance, with over half calling for his resignation.
The Justice Department accused Adams — a retired police officer and former Republican who won office as a moderate Democrat in 2021 — of accepting illegal campaign funds from the Turkish government in exchange for favors.
His administration has faced numerous scandals: accusations of bribery involving relatives of top officials, sexual harassment lawsuits against senior advisers, and conflicts of interest. Adams claimed his indictment was retaliation for criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of migrants arriving in New York.
After the DOJ dropped charges in February 2025 to allow Adams to assist federal immigration enforcement, he publicly aligned with Trump, even visiting Mar-a-Lago.
Adams’ critics say this deal amounts to selling out New Yorkers. Council Member Carmen de la Rosa called it “choosing to sell out the people of New York for his own freedom.”
By contrast, Mamdani publicly confronted federal immigration officials over civil liberties issues, highlighting his progressive stance.
Andrew Cuomo: Familiar Name with Troubled Past
Andrew Cuomo, former three-term governor and scion of the political dynasty comparable to the Kennedys, holds strong name recognition and financial backing — including large donations from real estate moguls and hedge fund managers.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo was praised for daily press briefings that reassured New Yorkers. His campaign ads highlight that period as proof of leadership.
However, Cuomo has faced significant backlash: he resigned as governor in 2021 after an investigation found he sexually harassed 11 women. He also faces scrutiny over policies that may have contributed to high COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, and was fined $675,000 for illegal coordination with his supporting Super PAC.
Cuomo’s cautious campaign style, avoiding direct debates, contrasts with his opponents’ aggression. Critics accuse him of carpet-bagging, as he recently moved back to the city after years in Westchester.
Political experts say Cuomo and Adams compete for the same moderate, blue-collar voters, with Adams benefiting from Cuomo’s controversies.
Other Candidates and Ranked-Choice Voting Dynamics
The crowded race includes Comptroller Brad Lander, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and others.
New York City’s ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to rank up to five candidates, plays a critical role. If no one gets a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes redistributed until two remain.
Progressive organizations like the Working Families Party have endorsed Mamdani first, Lander second, to prevent Cuomo’s victory.
Ocasio-Cortez backs a similar slate, including Mamdani and others.
Many voters and activists are strategizing to use ranked-choice voting to promote progressive candidates and block Cuomo.
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