His campaign spoke directly to our pain as young New Yorkers: skyrocketing rent and a historic affordability crisis transforming our city. People desperately sought a leader who authentically heard their struggles and offered genuine solutions. From city-owned bodegas to rent freezes, Mamdani’s clear agenda and genuine love for NYC were so apparent that many campaign supporters weren’t just there for the good vibes, but could actually name his policy proposals.
His platform was created by and for New York. Born-and-raised New Yorkers and transplants united to preserve the city we all call home. This victory was made possible by his moral clarity and a tangible vision we can fight for.
Critics dismissed Mamdani as appealing only to young people, but despite $25 million in opposition spending and virulent Islamophobiahe built a multiethnic, intergenerational, politically diverse coalition. South Asian voters across Queens turned out in unprecedented numbers. He won Upper Manhattan and Hispanic voters citywide. Volunteers ranging from teenagers to aunties spoke to voters in over 20 languages, and posters went up in languages reflecting their community. One of the most heartwarming moments for us was watching a Bangladeshi imam speak Spanish to community members in Corona, Queens, urging them to vote for Mamdani: a beautiful gesture of solidarity.
The viral video outreach done in Hindi, Bangla, and Spanish also stood out as genuine invitations to those long dismissed by politicians, treating viewers as serious political stakeholders in the city’s future, and legitimately informing them about ranked-choice voting, still a fairly new system in New York City. Campaign and user-generated content have been shared in WhatsApp group chats and even remixed at clubs.
Poll after poll showed New Yorkers’ frustration with ineffective Democratic leaders failing to counter Republicans who are threatening our city’s fabric. As community members are taken off the streets by ICE, attacks on our trans neighbors increase, the genocide in Gaza continues, international war looms, and billionaires control the national government, Mamdani’s victory has given people desperately needed hope. Thousands (if not millions) of people across the country saw themselves and the future we need in Mamdani at a time when the future feels in question. Community was built at multiple levels, from City Comptroller Brad Lander cross-endorsing with Mamdani to “Hot Girls for Zohran” and dozens of other affinity groups.
So what happens now? Winning the general election is the next step, but the real work to govern this city starts today. Big money opposition isn’t disappearing — it will likely only increase, and we’ll see continued and heightened racist attacks. But when we organize with purpose and persistence, we don’t just participate in democracy — we reshape it entirely. Our members and the campaign’s 50,000+ volunteers are hungry to stay involved, make decisions, and build our future together. That’s exactly why Mamdani won.
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