UPDATE: In a stunning upset, Zohran Mamdani has won New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defying predictions and marking a pivotal moment for progressive politics. The 33-year-old democratic socialist defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo by over seven points on the first ballot, demonstrating that strong support for Palestine can resonate with voters, even in a city with the largest Jewish population in the U.S.
This victory comes amid a historic low for pro-Israel sentiment among Democrats. A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that 63% of Democratic voters believe the U.S. is “too supportive of Israel,” an all-time high. As Mamdani campaigned, he faced accusations of antisemitism due to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions and his calls for boycotts over human rights violations. However, these attacks did not deter his supporters.
In fact, Mamdani’s campaign gained traction among Jewish voters, with a May Emerson College poll showing that 46% of surveyed Democrats felt it wasn’t crucial for the next mayor to hold pro-Israel views. His advocacy for Palestinian rights seems to reflect a growing alignment with the views of Democratic constituents.
“Cuomo was counting on the idea that Zohran’s support for Palestinian rights would be a liability, but what last night showed was that’s not true,” said Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, in a statement to Al Jazeera.
Mamdani’s refusal to back down on his stance regarding Israel’s actions, which he has termed “genocide” and “war crimes,” has only strengthened his authenticity among voters. “The fact that he refused to back down from his position on Palestine is huge,” noted Heba Gowayed, a sociology professor at the City University of New York. “In an atmosphere where we’ve been told that holding that position is politically disqualifying, it was a movement that not only insisted on this position but was, in a sense, predicated on it.”
His victory was bolstered by endorsements from prominent progressive Jewish groups, including JVP Action and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, which argued that the Democratic establishment underestimated Jewish voters’ priorities. “Jewish New Yorkers are just like other New Yorkers. We also want affordable housing and childcare,” stated Sophie Ellman-Golan, spokesperson for JFREJ. “That’s what Zohran ran on, and that’s why New Yorkers—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—voted for him!”
Mamdani’s alliance with New York’s highest-ranking Jewish elected official, Comptroller Brad Lander, proved crucial. Lander not only encouraged his supporters to rank Mamdani but also defended him against Cuomo’s accusations of weaponizing antisemitism.
As Mamdani prepares for the general election, observers are eager to see how his progressive platform will continue to resonate with New Yorkers. His victory signals a potential shift in the political landscape, challenging long-held beliefs about the relationship between Jewish voters and pro-Israel policies.
With the primary results now confirmed, Mamdani’s campaign will focus on practical issues like affordable housing and public transit, appealing to a broad coalition of voters. As the political environment evolves, Mamdani’s journey will likely serve as a bellwether for future elections and the growing acceptance of pro-Palestine politics within the Democratic Party.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mamdani’s campaign and its implications for New York City and beyond.
