Imagine New York City With A Mayor Whose First Concerns Everyday Are About New Yorkers, Not Himself

Meet Zohran Mamdani

-by Saif Iqbal

In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, our leadership should embody the values of fairness, integrity, and a commitment to the public good. Yet, for far too long, our politics have been dominated by corporate interests, with decisions driven by big donors rather than the needs of everyday New Yorkers. That’s why Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for mayor represents a critical moment in the fight to reclaim our democracy.

Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assemblymember from Queens, has made a name for himself as a tireless advocate for working-class New Yorkers. As a Democratic Socialist, Mamdani has championed housing justice, transit equity, and immigrant rights— issues that speak directly to the struggles and aspirations of millions across the city. His track record shows a clear commitment to challenging the status quo and standing up to powerful interests that have long shaped our city’s policies to benefit the few at the expense of the many.

New York City faces monumental challenges: an affordable housing crisis that has displaced countless families, underfunded public schools, crumbling infrastructure, and a public safety debate that often prioritizes punishment over prevention. These are not issues that can be addressed by leaders who are indebted to the real estate lobby, Wall Street executives, or corporate PACs. They require bold, unapologetic leadership— the kind of leadership that Mamdani embodies.

Mamdani’s campaign is about more than just policy proposals; it’s about building a movement. His vision for New York City is rooted in the idea that governance should be a participatory process, driven by the voices of those who have been marginalized and excluded. By refusing donations from corporate PACs and special interest groups, Mamdani has made it clear that his loyalty lies with the people, not the powerful.

Critics often argue that a candidate like Mamdani is too radical for a city as complex as New York. But history has shown us that transformative change comes from those who dare to challenge the entrenched systems of power. From the labor movements that won workers' rights to the civil rights leaders who fought for racial justice, progress has always been driven by those willing to push the boundaries of what is politically possible.

The stakes in this mayoral race couldn’t be higher. New Yorkers are hungry for leadership that prioritizes their needs over profit margins, that sees affordable housing as a human right, and that understands climate action as an urgent necessity. Electing Zohran Mamdani would send a powerful message to the corporate establishment: the days of unchecked influence in our city’s politics are numbered.

For voters, this is a rare opportunity to not only elect a mayor but to set a precedent for what governance in New York City can and should look like. By supporting Zohran Mamdani, we have the chance to build a city that works for everyone— not just the wealthy and well-connected. This is our moment to choose hope over fear, progress over stagnation, and people over profit.

New York City deserves a leader who is unafraid to stand up to powerful interests and fight for the common good. Zohran Mamdani’s campaign is a rallying cry for a better, fairer, and more just city. Let’s answer that call and make history together.