Zohran Mamdani’s surprise win in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor turned heads—and now he finds himself squared off against an alliance of well-funded and well-connected opponents. It is turning ugly with big money coming into play.
Incumbent mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent, former governor Andrew Cuomo is mounting a comeback on his own ballot line, and well-heeled donors and business groups are rallying behind them to stop Mamdani’s socialist leaning agenda. Political insiders describe an unease among luxury real estate developers, Wall Street, and hedge fund managers in the wake of Mamdani’s primary victory—some even convened strategy sessions to figure out how to stop his momentum.
That coalition hasn’t hesitated to turn up the heat. Republicans and conservative media are already painting Mamdani as too radical, and a Young Republican group has gone so far as to ask Congress to disqualify him under the 14th Amendment, accusing him of giving “aid and comfort” to enemies—charges that echo through social media and campaign ads.
Far right media such as The New York Post’s Suffolk County is even dangling tax breaks as an incentive for businesses to flee New York City if he wins.
Mamdani’s path isn’t all uphill. He ran a grassroots, energetic campaign that pulled in support from progressive icons like AOC, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren—and energized Gen Z and young voters through a tech-savvy outreach operation. That surge of optimism rippled nationally: over 10,000 people signed up to run for office following his primary win—an unprecedented wave that speaks to his appeal among aspiring candidates.
So what does Mamdani’s team need to do to fight back?
They must sustain and amplify that grassroots energy. Building on the digital momentum that powered the primary and turning it into a broader volunteer army will be vital. A clear, hopeful message grounded in concrete policies—fare-free buses, rent control, grocery co-ops, affordable child care—must shine brighter than the smear campaign. His campaign has already set the $8 million public financing cap goal, and bolstering allied PACs should help level the playing field with big money efforts.
His support is continuously increasing among New York’s powerful labor unions and environmental groups. New York Central Labor Council, umbrella organization for most of the city and state’s unions, endorsed him. He needs to assemble a secular, progressive coalition that transcends racial lines.
Coalition building will be critical. I have always strongly advocated for a broad-based coalition of moderate left and moderate right based on their many commonalities, which I have now termed the Second Circle. Mamdani must broaden his appeal beyond his base—reassuring wary Black and Jewish voters, labor union leaders, and moderate progressives that his vision is inclusive and achievable. He’s already secured endorsements from progressive unions like SEIU 32BJ and the State Nurses Association—leveraging that support further into neighborhoods and communities of color could shift the dial.
Mamdani should respond swiftly and smartly to attacks. The attempts to delegitimize him, through disqualification efforts or fear-mongering, need measured rebuttals—calm, principled, and confident—rather than getting pulled into polarizing confrontations.
Turning November elections into a national showcase for grassroots progressive America could help. Framing the race as a referendum on big-money politics versus community-driven reform could broaden his appeal in a diverse, deeply blue city. And he can generate support from all across the country.
Zohran Mamdani now stands at a crossroads. He conquered the Democratic base through authenticity, bold policy, and grassroots mobilization. Now he faces an intense barrage from establishment power—rich donors, political heavyweights, and organized opposition. To succeed in November, he’ll need to keep that grassroots flame alive, expand his coalition, counter the attacks with poise, and remind New Yorkers that his progressive vision offers real hope—and real change.
We are looking forward to this historic victory.
