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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are currently deliberating on whether to endorse Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for a mayoral run, according to an internal planning document obtained by The New York Post. This potential endorsement is highly significant, given Mamdani’s high-profile activism and controversial legislative efforts that have sparked fierce debates, especially among New York’s political elite. The DSA’s Citywide Electoral Working Group organized a forum on October 5, during which Mamdani laid out his vision and answered pressing questions, as reported by The New York Post. The forum marks the beginning of a process where DSA members and committees will cast their votes between October 13-19 to decide whether to back him for the mayoral primary.
The New York Post highlighted Mamdani’s involvement in protests against U.S. policy towards Israel as one of the main points of contention. On October 13, 2023, Mamdani was arrested while protesting outside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn residence. The protest was part of a broader call for a ceasefire following Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza after the devastating Oct 7th terror attack by Hamas. This activism, while resonating with many in the DSA, has caused considerable friction with pro-Israel Democrats. The New York Post also noted that Mamdani’s proposed legislation, the “Not on Our Dime!: Ending New York Funding of Israeli Settler Violence Act,” has further deepened divisions. This act aimed to curtail financial contributions from New York-based charities that supported Israeli settlements, framing the legislation as a stand against what Mamdani described as unauthorized activities.
Endorsing someone like Zohran Mamdani, who has been openly critical of Israel, brings a level of divisiveness that American politics doesn’t need. These kinds of extreme stances only serve to deepen divisions, and foreign policy issues should be handled with nuance, not radical…
— Carolina Isabel Fonseca Vera 🇵🇦 (@CarolinaIsabelF) October 11, 2024
The New York Post pointed out that the DSA sees Mamdani as a unique candidate, standing alone in the organization’s considerations for a mayoral endorsement. The importance of DSA backing cannot be overstated, with the internal document clearly stating, “Zohran would not run without the support of the NYC-DSA.” This underscores the critical nature of the organization’s influence on Mamdani’s political future. The DSA’s potential endorsement would only apply to a Democratic primary run, The New York Post clarified, and not to any special election that could occur should Mayor Eric Adams step down due to his ongoing corruption charges. While Adams has vowed to serve out his term and run for re-election, The New York Post reports that this endorsement process could reshape the mayoral race, particularly in progressive circles.
Mamdani’s political base lies in Western Queens, a DSA stronghold also represented by prominent democratic socialists such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, according to The New York Post. Mamdani’s connection to the DSA, which he joined in 2020, has only grown stronger since his first election. As The New York Post reported, Mamdani started discussing the possibility of a mayoral bid with key DSA figures as early as the winter of 2023/2024, and the wider DSA leadership became aware of the idea in the spring of 2024. These discussions are emblematic of a broader political strategy, in which Mamdani’s candidacy would embody the DSA’s progressive agenda.
Endorsing someone like Zohran Mamdani, who has been openly critical of Israel, brings a level of divisiveness that American politics doesn’t need. These kinds of extreme stances only serve to deepen divisions, and foreign policy issues should be handled with nuance, not radical…
— Carolina Isabel Fonseca Vera 🇵🇦 (@CarolinaIsabelF) October 11, 2024
In a further strategic move reported by The New York Post, the DSA is exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Working Families Party, another left-leaning political group. The two organizations may utilize New York’s rank-choice voting system to create a “slate” strategy, where voters could rank Mamdani as their top choice and place other progressive candidates as second or third preferences. This tactical approach aims to prevent a moderate candidate like Adams from dominating the primary, a key concern for the DSA as it works to shift the city’s political balance further leftward.
This process reflects a key moment for the DSA and its influence in New York politics. As The New York Post highlights, Mamdani’s potential candidacy is inextricably linked to the organization’s endorsement, positioning him at the heart of debates that could define the city’s political future.
