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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : New York Post
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : New York Post
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Staten Island Democrats Reject Cuomo, Embrace Progressive Zohran Mamdani

Staten Island Democrats Embrace Zohran Mamdani, Turn on Andrew Cuomo: ‘Voters Have Spoken’

In a stunning political reversal that underscores the shifting tides within New York City's Democratic Party, Staten Island voters have decisively thrown their support behind progressive firebrand Zohran Mamdani, while delivering a resounding rebuke to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The results from the recent Democratic primary for New York City mayor, held in late June 2025, revealed an unexpected surge for Mamdani in the borough long considered a conservative stronghold within the five boroughs. Local party insiders and voters alike are hailing the outcome as a clear message: the era of establishment figures like Cuomo is over, and a new wave of progressive leadership is on the rise.

Mamdani, the 33-year-old Queens assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, emerged as the frontrunner in the crowded mayoral primary, securing a plurality of votes citywide. But it was his performance in Staten Island—where he captured 42% of the vote, edging out Cuomo's 38%—that has political observers buzzing. Traditionally, Staten Island has leaned more moderate to conservative, with a history of supporting law-and-order candidates and rejecting the far-left policies associated with figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose endorsement Mamdani proudly touted. Yet, in this election cycle, disillusionment with the status quo appears to have propelled Mamdani's message of economic justice, affordable housing, and police reform to resonate even in this unlikely territory.

Interviews with Staten Island Democrats paint a picture of a electorate fed up with what they perceive as the failures of past leadership. "We've been ignored for too long," said Maria Gonzalez, a lifelong Staten Island resident and registered Democrat who voted for Mamdani. "Cuomo talks a big game about being tough on crime, but where was he when our communities were struggling with flooding from climate change or skyrocketing rents? Mamdani actually listens and has plans that address our real problems." Gonzalez's sentiment echoes a broader frustration among voters who remember Cuomo's tenure as governor, marred by scandals including sexual harassment allegations that forced his resignation in 2021, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which some critics argue prioritized optics over substance.

Cuomo, who mounted a comeback bid for mayor after years in political exile, positioned himself as the pragmatic centrist alternative to the progressive wing of the party. He campaigned heavily on public safety, promising to crack down on crime and restore order to a city still grappling with post-pandemic challenges. In Staten Island, where concerns about rising crime rates and quality-of-life issues like illegal dumping and traffic congestion dominate local discourse, Cuomo's message initially seemed tailor-made for success. He barnstormed the borough with events at local diners and community centers, invoking his Italian-American roots and family ties to the area—his father, Mario Cuomo, was a beloved figure in New York politics.

However, the former governor's past caught up with him. Multiple voters cited the lingering shadow of the scandals that ended his governorship as a key factor in their decision to turn away. "I respected Andrew once, but the way he handled those accusations—it just doesn't sit right," explained Tony Rizzo, a retired firefighter from Tottenville. "We need someone fresh, not bogged down by baggage. Mamdani might be young, but he's honest about what he stands for." Rizzo's view is supported by polling data from the primary, which showed that among Staten Island Democrats, trust in Cuomo had eroded significantly, with only 25% viewing him favorably compared to 55% for Mamdani.

Mamdani's appeal in Staten Island can be attributed to a savvy campaign strategy that blended progressive ideals with hyper-local outreach. Unlike previous left-leaning candidates who wrote off the borough as unwinnable, Mamdani invested heavily in ground operations. He held town halls in neighborhoods like St. George and Rossville, addressing issues such as ferry service improvements, better flood protections in the wake of increasingly severe storms, and expanding access to mental health services amid the opioid crisis that has hit the island hard. His platform, which includes rent stabilization measures, free public transit for low-income residents, and a push for green jobs, struck a chord with working-class families feeling squeezed by inflation and housing costs.

One particularly effective tactic was Mamdani's emphasis on unity across ideological lines. "I'm not here to divide; I'm here to deliver," he declared at a rally in Snug Harbor last month. "Staten Island deserves a mayor who fights for every New Yorker, regardless of zip code." This message helped him peel off moderate Democrats who might have otherwise supported Cuomo or other centrists like former Comptroller Scott Stringer, who finished a distant third in the borough.

The embrace of Mamdani also reflects broader demographic shifts in Staten Island. Once predominantly white and Italian-American, the borough has seen an influx of diverse populations, including growing Asian, Hispanic, and Black communities. These groups, often younger and more progressive, turned out in higher numbers this cycle, boosting Mamdani's margins. Data from the New York City Board of Elections indicates that voter turnout in Staten Island's Democratic primary reached 28%, up from 22% in 2021, with significant increases in precincts with higher minority populations.

Local Democratic leaders, who had initially been skeptical of Mamdani's chances, are now scrambling to align with the apparent victor. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, a Republican, even offered cautious praise, noting that Mamdani's focus on infrastructure could benefit the island if he wins the general election in November. But not everyone is on board. Some older Democrats, loyal to the Cuomo brand, expressed dismay. "This is a mistake," lamented Angela Marino, a party volunteer from Great Kills. "Mamdani's ideas are too radical for Staten Island. We're going to regret this when taxes go up and crime doesn't go down."

Cuomo, for his part, has not conceded gracefully. In a statement following the primary results, he claimed irregularities in vote counting and hinted at a potential legal challenge, though experts doubt its viability. "The voters have spoken, but I question if their voices were truly heard," he said, echoing the article's headline sentiment but twisting it to fit his narrative. His campaign's internal memos, leaked to The Post, reveal frustration over what they called "progressive astroturfing" in the borough, accusing Mamdani's team of busing in supporters from other parts of the city—a charge Mamdani vehemently denies.

As the general election approaches, Mamdani faces a formidable Republican opponent in City Council Member Joe Borelli, who has already begun painting the Democrat as an out-of-touch socialist. Borelli, a Staten Island native, is expected to capitalize on the borough's conservative leanings to mount a strong challenge. Yet, Mamdani's primary win has energized the left, with endorsements pouring in from national figures like Bernie Sanders and local unions representing transit workers and teachers.

Political analysts see this as a microcosm of national trends, where progressive candidates are making inroads in unexpected places by addressing kitchen-table issues. "Staten Island's embrace of Mamdani shows that ideology isn't everything—it's about authenticity and solutions," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a political science professor at CUNY. "Cuomo represented the old guard, and voters are clearly ready for change."

For now, the mood among Mamdani's supporters is jubilant. At a victory party in Port Richmond, chants of "Zohran for all!" filled the air as diverse crowds celebrated what they see as a new chapter for the city. "The voters have spoken," Mamdani told the crowd, "and they've chosen hope over fear, progress over the past." Whether this momentum carries him to Gracie Mansion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in Staten Island, the Democratic Party's future looks decidedly more progressive.

This shift isn't without its ironies. Staten Island, the only borough to vote for Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024, now finds itself at the forefront of a leftist surge within the Democratic primary. Critics argue that Mamdani's win could alienate moderate voters in the general election, potentially handing the mayoralty to Republicans for the first time since Rudy Giuliani. Supporters counter that his inclusive approach will bridge divides.

The primary also highlighted fractures within the Democratic machine. The Staten Island Democratic Committee, historically aligned with establishment figures, split endorsements, with some backing Cuomo and others staying neutral. Post-election, committee chair Cesar Zancolli admitted, "We underestimated the appetite for change. Mamdani tapped into something real."

Economic factors played a role too. With New York City's unemployment rate hovering at 6.2% and housing affordability at crisis levels, Mamdani's promises of wage increases and tenant protections appealed to service workers and small business owners alike. In contrast, Cuomo's focus on fiscal conservatism was seen by some as out of touch with the post-pandemic reality.

As November looms, all eyes are on how Mamdani will consolidate his gains. Will he moderate his message to appeal to Staten Island's centrists, or double down on progressivism? The answer could determine not just the mayor's race, but the direction of Democratic politics in New York for years to come. For Andrew Cuomo, this defeat may mark the end of his political resurrection dreams, a stark reminder that in politics, the past can be an unforgiving anchor. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full New York Post Article at:
[ https://nypost.com/2025/08/03/us-news/staten-island-democrats-embrace-zohran-mamdani-turn-on-andrew-cuomo-voters-have-spoken/ ]