What real New Yorkers have to say about recent mayoral elect Zohran Mamdani 

“The key is that we need to make sure that he’s successful, and that’s gonna mean getting support from the governor.” 

Jordan Weis, Data Analyst, lived in New York since 2009. 

“I think his policies are a fresh change for New York City. I think it aligns with what New York City is historically known for. I think there is a feeling within the City that won’t be found elsewhere, and I think that is enough for those who disagree with his policy to stay.” 

Alward Zhang, Teacher, Native New Yorker, 24 years old. 

“I was really happy with the election of Zohran, I think we need a big change in the city and I really didn’t like the people he was running against. I used to like Anrew Cuomo, but then he had the sexual assault allegations, and I just don’t want that type of person representing the city. I think a lot of politicians make promises that they can’t keep to get elected and if you can move the needle at all in any direction, I think that would be a win for New York.” 

Ashley, HR for a tech company, Native New Yorker, 27 years old. 

“I’m petrified. I’d like to leave the city, but I work here, and I love New York, and he won’t run me out. I do not think his policies are feasible. I’m originally from the Soviet Union like my parents, so I know firsthand what socialist and communist policy looks like and what happens when they are implemented. I’m also afraid of all the Anti-Semitism in New York that he is going to allow.” 

Gary Murzlock, stylist at Nordstrom, New Yorker since 1979   

“I am really excited by Zohran’s election, and I think his policies are very possible; everyone just has to get onboard. I think some people may be leaving, but who cares? 

Mary, Teacher, grew up in Brooklyn 

“BS.  To me it’s BS. I mean it’s not about really changing anything. I know this Mamdani has run on social programs; I mean everyone calls him a Communist, which he is not, obviously. I am a hard-core Humanist, where in a system human beings should be first. But unfortunately, in this country, everything is about money. I mean the whole system is already bought and sold by the powers that be. The system is broken; nothing is going to change. They give you this duality, left and right, Democrats and Republicans, they work for the same interest. 

Anonymous 

“I am super excited with Zohran’s election. I after coming here during the end of Bloomberg’s term and going through all of Bill de Blasio and then Eric Adams, it’s just refreshing to see somebody get elected that kind of comes from a different political point of view that the city is used to, and that the city was excited for. I think now it’s a race to the bottom of affordability, and whoever can promise the most concrete plan of what that actually looks like. 

I think he’s really capitulated a lot of his former stances to open his platform up to more Jewish people in the city. 

He really spoke to folks that wanted to see safety and normalcy come back to New York City. But the city’s changed in those years and I think people really are feeling the weight of the economic regime that’s been put over the country.” 

Sean Creamer, Journalist, lived in New York since 2010, 33 years old.