How Zohran Mamdani Should Govern

Published in Politics and Government on Monday, July 21st 2025 at 11:09 GMT by The Nation
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Running New York City is brutal. But if he wins in November, there are key lessons from past mayors that Mamdani should learn from.

Zohran Mamdani’s Vision for a New York City That Works for Everyone

In the bustling political landscape of New York City, where progressive ideals often clash with the harsh realities of governance, Zohran Mamdani emerges as a compelling figure. A democratic socialist and current New York State Assembly member representing parts of Queens, Mamdani has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 mayoral race. His campaign is not just a bid for power but a bold reimagining of what it means to govern America's largest city in a way that prioritizes the needs of working-class residents over corporate interests and entrenched bureaucracies. At 32, Mamdani brings a unique blend of personal history, activist zeal, and policy expertise to the table, drawing from his roots as the son of Ugandan-Indian immigrants and his experiences as a former rapper and foreclosure prevention counselor.

Mamdani's entry into the mayoral fray comes at a time when incumbent Mayor Eric Adams faces mounting scandals, including federal investigations into corruption and campaign finance irregularities. This backdrop provides fertile ground for challengers like Mamdani, who positions himself as an antidote to the status quo. Unlike Adams, whose administration has been criticized for its pro-business tilt and aggressive policing tactics, Mamdani advocates for a city hall that actively confronts inequality. His platform is rooted in the belief that New York can be a model for progressive governance, where policies are designed to uplift the marginalized rather than perpetuate cycles of poverty and displacement.

Central to Mamdani's agenda is housing, a perennial crisis in a city where skyrocketing rents and gentrification have displaced countless families. He argues that the current system, dominated by real estate developers and lax regulations, has failed spectacularly. Mamdani proposes aggressive measures to expand affordable housing, including the implementation of "good cause" eviction protections to prevent arbitrary rent hikes and unjust evictions. Drawing from his time as a housing counselor during the foreclosure crisis, he emphasizes the human cost of these failures—families torn apart, communities eroded. He envisions a mayoral administration that would leverage city resources to build public housing on a massive scale, potentially repurposing underutilized land and partnering with community land trusts to ensure long-term affordability. This isn't just about shelter, he insists; it's about dignity and stability in a city where homelessness remains a stark indicator of systemic neglect.

Public safety is another cornerstone of Mamdani's platform, but his approach diverges sharply from the tough-on-crime rhetoric that has dominated recent mayoral terms. He critiques the overreliance on policing, pointing to data showing that increased police budgets haven't correlated with reduced crime rates. Instead, Mamdani advocates for a holistic model that invests in mental health services, youth programs, and community-based interventions. He references successful models from other cities, like community violence interruption programs, and stresses the need to address root causes such as poverty and lack of opportunity. In his view, true safety comes from a city where residents have access to jobs, education, and healthcare, not from an ever-expanding carceral state. This perspective is informed by his legislative record in Albany, where he has pushed bills to reform criminal justice and protect vulnerable populations.

Education reform is equally vital in Mamdani's blueprint for New York. He lambasts the current system's inequities, where funding disparities between affluent and low-income neighborhoods perpetuate achievement gaps. As mayor, he pledges to fight for universal pre-K expansion, smaller class sizes, and increased support for public schools, including mental health resources for students still reeling from the pandemic's disruptions. Mamdani also calls for integrating vocational training and arts programs, reflecting his own background in creative fields. He sees education not as a mere stepping stone but as a public good that fosters informed, empowered citizens capable of driving social change.

Transportation and infrastructure form another pillar of his vision. New York City's subways and buses are lifelines for millions, yet chronic underfunding and mismanagement have led to delays, breakdowns, and safety issues. Mamdani proposes a radical overhaul, including free public transit to reduce car dependency and combat climate change. He draws parallels to global cities like Vienna, where affordable, efficient public transport is a right, not a privilege. This would be funded through progressive taxation on high earners and corporations, ensuring that the burden doesn't fall on working families. Moreover, he aims to expand bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly spaces, promoting a greener, more livable urban environment.

Mamdani's economic policies underscore his commitment to workers' rights. He supports raising the minimum wage, strengthening union protections, and implementing paid family leave citywide. In a post-pandemic economy marked by gig work and precarious employment, he argues for regulations that hold tech giants like Uber and Amazon accountable, ensuring fair pay and benefits. His approach is intersectional, recognizing how race, gender, and immigration status compound economic vulnerabilities. For immigrant communities, which form the backbone of New York's diversity, Mamdani advocates for sanctuary policies that protect against federal overreach and provide pathways to citizenship.

What sets Mamdani apart is his emphasis on participatory governance. He envisions a mayor's office that actively engages communities through town halls, advisory councils, and digital platforms, making decision-making more democratic. This isn't mere rhetoric; in his assembly district, he's already implemented similar models, hosting regular forums to solicit input on legislation. He believes that top-down governance breeds alienation, while inclusive processes build trust and yield better outcomes.

Critics might argue that Mamdani's ideas are too idealistic for a city as complex as New York, with its powerful interest groups and fiscal constraints. Yet, he counters by pointing to historical precedents, like the progressive reforms under Fiorello La Guardia, which transformed the city during times of crisis. Mamdani acknowledges the challenges of governing—balancing budgets, navigating Albany politics, and managing a sprawling bureaucracy—but insists that bold leadership can overcome them. He draws inspiration from figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose movements have shifted the Overton window on issues like healthcare and climate.

On the environment, Mamdani is unequivocal: New York must lead on climate action. With rising sea levels threatening coastal neighborhoods, he calls for massive investments in resilient infrastructure, green jobs, and renewable energy. This includes transitioning city fleets to electric vehicles and incentivizing sustainable building practices. He ties this to racial and economic justice, noting how pollution disproportionately affects communities of color.

Immigration and cultural inclusivity are woven throughout his platform. As someone whose family fled persecution, Mamdani is passionate about creating a welcoming city. He proposes expanding language access in city services, supporting immigrant-owned businesses, and combating xenophobia through education and policy.

In conversations about his campaign, Mamdani reflects on the personal toll of politics. From his early days as a rapper under the name "Mr. Cardamom" to his current role, he's navigated identity and belonging in a diverse city. He speaks candidly about the racism he's faced and how it fuels his drive for equity.

Ultimately, Mamdani's bid for mayor is a call to action for a New York that rejects complacency. It's a vision where the city doesn't just survive but thrives for all—workers, families, artists, and dreamers. Whether he can translate this into electoral success remains to be seen, but his campaign already sparks vital debates about what progressive governance looks like in practice. In a time of political cynicism, Mamdani offers hope: that a better city is not only possible but within reach, if only we dare to govern with courage and compassion.

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How Zohran Mamdani Should Govern

Zohran Mamdani’s Vision for a New York City That Works for Everyone