UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, has defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary, an election that many anticipated would hinge on Mamdani’s pro-Palestine stance. This upset victory is being hailed as a significant win for progressive politics and a potential shift in public sentiment regarding support for Palestine.
Just hours after the polls closed on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, progressive activists and writers began highlighting how Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights might have been a crucial factor in his campaign. Despite facing accusations of antisemitism from Cuomo’s camp, Mamdani managed to secure victory by more than seven points on the first ballot, surprising many in a city with the largest Jewish population in the U.S.
Experts point to a growing dissatisfaction among Democratic voters regarding U.S. support for Israel. A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that 63% of Democratic voters feel the U.S. is “too supportive of Israel,” marking an all-time high. This sentiment is echoed in another poll from Emerson College, where 46% of New York Democrats surveyed did not prioritize pro-Israel views in their mayoral candidate.
Authorities confirm that Mamdani’s candidacy reflects a broader trend among Democratic voters who are increasingly critical of Israel’s actions, particularly following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Mamdani has referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and “war crimes,” a rhetoric that Cuomo attempted to use to discredit him.
“Cuomo was counting on the idea that Zohran’s support for Palestinian rights would be a liability for him, but what last night showed was that that’s not true,” said Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, in comments to Al Jazeera.
Despite persistent questioning about his foreign policy views, Mamdani stood firm on his positions, which many see as a move that bolstered his authenticity. Heba Gowayed, a sociology professor at the City University of New York, stated, “The fact that he refused to back down from his position on Palestine is huge.”
Crucially, Mamdani garnered significant support from Jewish voters. A May poll indicated he was the second-most popular candidate among Jewish New Yorkers, trailing only Cuomo. His alliance with Brad Lander, New York’s highest-ranking Jewish elected official, proved pivotal. Lander not only encouraged his supporters to back Mamdani but also challenged Cuomo’s tactics, arguing that he was weaponizing antisemitism for political gain.
Endorsements from prominent progressive Jewish organizations such as JVP Action and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice further solidified Mamdani’s position. These groups believe the Democratic establishment has underestimated Jewish voters’ concerns, which extend beyond Israel to issues like affordable housing and public transit.
Sophie Ellman-Golan, a spokesperson for JFREJ, emphasized that Jewish New Yorkers face the same challenges as other residents, stating, “We are also New Yorkers… that’s what Zohran ran on, and that’s why New Yorkers—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—voted for him!”
Mamdani’s victory represents more than just a personal achievement; it signifies a potentially transformative moment in U.S. politics, where pro-Palestine sentiments could reshape future elections. As the dust settles on this unprecedented primary, political analysts and activists alike will be watching closely to see how this shift influences the broader Democratic landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
