NYC's next mayor is a democratic socialist. What does that mean?
toggle caption Angela Weiss/AFP
New York City has elected a democratic socialist as its next mayor.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani won with a progressive platform focused on making the city more affordable, through free bus service, frozen rents, universal childcare and a higher minimum wage, among other ideas.
The state assemblymember represented both the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party on the ballot. He quoted prominent late-19th and early-20th century socialist Eugene Debs in his victory speech Tuesday night. And he is a longtime member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
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Its New York City chapter played a key role in Mamdani's campaign, providing an early endorsement and a legion of volunteers for canvassing and fundraising — and raising its own profile in the process.
"Since [Mamdani's] primary win in June, Democratic Socialism has soared in popularity here and across the nation," the NYC-DSA tweeted after his general election win. "Our unprecedented growth is a testament to our vision and our ability to inspire renewed hope and political engagement from the working class."
As Mamdani's campaign pushe
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