As the Democratic Party struggles in the political wilderness following last year’s national Republican sweep, the American left is being electrified by the improbable and inspiring election on Tuesday night of Zohran Mamdani as the mayor of New York City.

The young state legislator emerged from virtually nowhere – polling at a mere 1 per cent at the beginning of the year. But by running a campaign directly targeting the city’s existing establishment and tackling its debilitating affordability crisis, the charismatic upstart prevailed. He crafted an improbable coalition behind promises to redistribute resources to less affluent constituencies.

He’s not merely charismatic. He’s electrifying. American liberals yearning for signs of political dynamism within their ranks provided national attention and support for his extraordinary campaign.

He will now be judged on numerous “kitchen table“ policy outcomes. He must deliver results on some deeply challenging commitments, especially more affordable housing, and the seemingly incompatible twin promises of free and faster bus services.

These central issues, along with education, crime, policing and basic citywide services, will ultimately define his success.

Nonetheless, as Mr Mamdani’s victory speech made abundantly clear, he has already established himself as a maj