Zohran Mamdani: A lesson for the left?

By Jessica Banks

What is a politician? Someone with power and authority chosen to aid their electorate; to uplift the impoverished, show integrity and morality, give a voice to the impuissant, and protect liberty. Despite having this admirable role in society, the public perception of politicians presents the complete antithesis – people with no moral convictions beyond those that will garner the greatest public approval and votes. I would argue a growing dissatisfaction with this paradox has served to uplift political figures like Zohran Mamdani, surely a call for genuine figures to upset this crooked balance. 

On 24 June, Zohran Mamdani achieved a monumental victory in the democratic primary, securing 43.5% of the vote. He annihilated his key opponent who was once seen as indomitable within the race – former governor, Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's powerful profile as a former statewide official and national Democratic Party heavyweight gave him a favorable position, with strong name recognition. However, Cuomo's controversial past of sexual harassment and his administration’s under-reporting of covid deaths could not be buried by his deep-pocketed backing; this distasteful character only served Mamdani's acclaim. With the latter's strong, unwavering moral beliefs and genuine love for his community shining in comparison to the opposition.  

I believe Mamdani’s victory presents an important message to upcoming politicians – the public are not so easily deceived. Voters value and desire honest leadership. People with strong principles who will uphold their word. In the wake of Trump's victory, many left-leaning politicians have attempted to centralise their stances in order to become more palatable in an increasingly polarised population. However, Mamdani's victory to me presents an alternative path: the left needs more strongly opinionated and tenacious representation. 

People want respectable leaders who they can connect with and relate to – not bland caricatures crafted to gain votes, who will hold whatever values gain the greatest approval.

Zohran Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, but moved to New York with his family at age 7. He later attended Bowdoin College where he earned a degree in Africana Studies and co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. His unique background and passion for social justice serves as the main pillar of his campaign and is employed to connect with the historically diverse community of New York. He has achieved this by showing pride in his identity – while campaigning he made his Muslim faith a visible part of his efforts by visiting city mosques regularly. His immigrant background was also highlighted through campaign videos in both Urdu and Spanish. His embracing of his ‘un-traditional’ and ‘un-American’ background did not repel voters as too controversial (in the way many lefty politicians may expect) but instead led to mass support. The candidate mobilised nearly 50,000 volunteers to help knock on doors, and garnered support from small donors who helped him break fundraising records in the race. 

This valiant display of a small and relatively unknown political figure triumphing over a political giant reflects the widespread desire for greater diversity and moral integrity within politics. People want respectable leaders who they can connect with and relate to, not bland caricatures, crafted to gain votes, who will hold whatever values gain the greatest approval. Right-wing politicians, both in the USA and the UK, present unwavering strong opinions despite the level of controversy attached. Why doesn't the left take the same approach? Why are the left constantly attempting to water themselves down in fear of critics? 

Zohran Mamdani is an exemplary model of the political figure I and other young people want representing and advocating for us. His campaign aims remain consistent with his core beliefs, as opposed to being manipulated to support the rich and attract wealthy backers (as many politicians so often do). He shows unfaltering conviction in these beliefs despite all the condemnation he's faced. A key example being his affordability battle by vowing to provide services such as free bus services city wide, rent freezes, harsher accountability for negligent landlords, and universal childcare. Critics such as the New York Times editorial board point out that Mamdani's battle "often ignores the unavoidable tradeoffs of governance." However, I’d argue his agenda offers a deeper sense of optimism and commitment to equality which is sadly missed in the current political climate. Another key example of Mamdani's strong character is his willingness to present clear stances on contentious issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict. At a time when people are reaching for strong leaders, murky answers swerving around important issues could not be less attractive; this candidate’s readiness to condemn Israel’s actions when such statements lead to clashes with his own party is commendable.  

Mamdani's victory would not only be historic (with him becoming the first South Asian and Muslim mayor of New York) but hopefully initiate the resurgence of true left politicians. This change could facilitate greater equality and greater pushback on the growing corruption of phony politicians. It closes the schism that has been created between politicians and the public through the former’s continued performative actions. It destigmatises being perceived as ‘woke’ within politics, and allows representation of the key values of truly left voters. If elected, Mamdami may face pressure to perform given his relatively limited experience, but this initial win serves as a hopeful reminder of what representation can be.

Image: Wikipedia Commons