Op-ed: Zohran Mamdani's election is a fork in the road for the Democrats

Samuel Cruz ’28

Since the election on November 4th, Zohran Mamdani’s focus has been on delivering the agenda he promised while on the campaign trail. However, even after the election has passed his democratic colleagues have been incredibly hesitant to support him. Certain key democrats have endorsed Mr. Mamdani like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and (to some hesitation) Governor Kathy Hochul. The house minority leader, Chuck Schumer has barely said a word about the mayor-elect and was a pushing force among democrats to push a resolution denouncing socialism as an ideology “incompatible with America's principles”. Neither our other state senator, Kristen Gillibrand or our mayor, Eric Adams have given any backing of Mr. Mamdani either.

In focus, Mr. Mamdani’s campaign has been all about affordability, free buses, childcare, city run grocery stores, etc. These are not unpopular ideas, and in many respects aren't even unprecedented. Logically, it would make a lot of sense for democrats to rush and endorse Zohran Mamdani as he is the popular candidate. Still though, that is not the case. Or at least not yet. Because he is a younger candidate, a socialist, and someone with fresh ideas that challenge the current political ethos, he has a lot to make democrats hesitant. However, Mr. Mamdani’s focus on a grass roots campaign, and using social media to his every advantage should encourage democrats to take these things in stride. The midterm elections are next year and if the democrats want to flip the house or senate, they need to drill in on affordability.

The 2024 election where Donald Trump was elected became central around the issue of affordability. Voters simply wanted eggs to be cheaper, while also having potential prospects of purchasing an abode. The only problem was that Trump's only real economic policy was tariffs which to a great surprise inflated prices even more. Americans want affordability, and without it, they are parsimonious. It’s been pretty blatant for the democrats to focus on the cost of commodities and necessities since the pandemic. Mr. Mamdani’s victory certainly has the potential to set the groundwork for a different approach within the party. One centralized around the betterment of your average joe from Goobertown, Arkansas (which is a very real town) or anywhere else in America like here struggling with the cost of life. The party needs a new direction, as the direction right now is non-existent. Sure, a lot of the current faces in the party seem pretty antiquated at the moment, but have no fear! Nature will do its thing and the party will eventually move forward.

This city and country are a little behind when it comes to things like universal health care and affordable mass transit. Really all folks want is for things to be cheaper all around. It does leave the Democrats a very clear option here. Either they can focus on what the voters want and lower prices (while being charismatic), or they be meticulous about denouncing socialism and insist that free buses equals Marxism. Choices, choices. If the party makes the right choice, not only can fascism be dealt with, but the needs of voters can be met.