Cruising to re-election in the State Assembly, Mr. Mamdani began meeting during the summer of 2024 over cups of chai with political allies, labor leaders and members of the news media to discuss a run for mayor. The federal indictment in September of Mayor Eric Adams, whose popularity had been plummeting, made clear that there would be ample opportunity for progressive challengers.
After a stellar fund-raising quarter, Mr. Mamdani is awarded $2.82 million in public matching funds by the Campaign Finance Board, more than any other candidate.
Mr. Mamdani shows up in an early Democratic primary poll tied for last place, garnering 1 percent support among likely voters .
Still unknown to much of the electorate, Mr. Mamdani surprises many political observers when he announces that he has raised more money — over $642,000 — than any another mayoral candidate between early October and January .
As he did with the polar plunge, Mr. Mamdani, shown in another video wolfing down chicken over rice from a food cart, finds an irreverent way to explain how the city’s arcane permitting process is squeezing vendors and driving “ halalflation .”
A campaign video shows Mr.
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