The Election of Zohran Mamdani: A Conservative MAGA Perspective on Its Implications and AOC’s Ascendancy, By Charles Taylor (Florida)

The stunning victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly among conservative MAGA supporters. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and the first Muslim to secure the Democratic nomination for mayor of America's largest city, represents a seismic shift in urban politics. His defeat of establishment figure Andrew Cuomo, coupled with his unapologetically progressive platform, raises critical questions about the future of the Democratic Party, the rise of far-Left politics, and the potential elevation of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). From a conservative MAGA perspective, Mamdani's win is a symptom of a broken political system, a warning of creeping socialism, and a potential springboard for AOC's national ambitions, unless conservatives can capitalise on this moment to rally opposition. Biden is like a conservative compared to AOC, who if elected will destroy America, and by chain reaction, Australia.

New York City's political machine, long dominated by a Democratic establishment that stifles competition, has paved the way for Mamdani's rise. As Daniel Greenfield notes, Mamdani secured the nomination with only 5-7% of New Yorkers' votes due to a dismal 30% turnout in the Democratic primary. The fractured field, featuring disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, embattled Mayor Eric Adams running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, ensures a split opposition, virtually guaranteeing Mamdani's victory in the November 2025 general election. Polls show Mamdani at 41%, with Cuomo at 26%, Adams at 16%, and Sliwa at 9%, but 46% of New Yorkers say they would never vote for Mamdani, a figure overshadowed by even higher rejection rates for Adams (51%) and Cuomo (39%).

From a MAGA perspective, this outcome exposes the rot in New York's political system. Decades of one-party rule have marginalised Republicans and moderate voices, leaving voters with a choice between discredited establishment figures and a radical socialist promising utopian change. Mamdani's campaign, built on promises of rent freezes, free buses, and city-owned grocery stores, resonates with a disillusioned electorate fed up with the status quo. Yet, conservatives argue this is less a mandate for socialism than a failure of the establishment to offer a compelling alternative. The refusal of Cuomo and Adams to consolidate behind a single candidate exemplifies the self-interest and dysfunction that MAGA supporters see as emblematic of the political elite.

Mamdani's policy agenda is a red flag for MAGA conservatives, who view it as a direct assault on free-market principles and American exceptionalism. His proposals include freezing rent for stabilized units, implementing fare-free buses, establishing public childcare, and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030, funded by tax hikes on corporations and individuals earning over $1 million annually. He also advocates for city-owned grocery stores and aggressive climate policies, such as the All-Electric Buildings Act, which bans fossil fuel equipment in new buildings. To conservatives, these policies are a recipe for economic disaster, echoing the failures of socialist experiments worldwide. They argue that rent controls stifle housing development, free transit burdens taxpayers, and wealth taxes drive businesses and high earners out of the city.

Moreover, Mamdani's foreign policy stances, particularly his vocal criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which he has called "genocide," and his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," ignite fears among conservatives of radical anti-Americanism. His pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York, citing International Criminal Court warrants, is seen as a dangerous alignment with anti-Israel factions and a betrayal of U.S. allies. MAGA supporters, including figures like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk, have seized on these positions, framing Mamdani as a "jihadist" or "Hamas sympathiser" who threatens national security and could usher in "another 9/11." While these claims are inflammatory and lack evidence tying Mamdani to terrorism, they reflect deep conservative anxieties about his progressive ideology and Muslim identity.

Mamdani's victory is inextricably linked to AOC, who endorsed him and campaigned alongside him, reinforcing her status as a kingmaker in progressive circles. As a fellow democratic socialist from Queens, AOC sees Mamdani as a kindred spirit, sharing her vision of a government-driven social safety net and bold economic reforms. Her endorsement was pivotal, galvanizing young, progressive, and minority voters who powered Mamdani's grassroots campaign. Posts on X highlight the stakes: one user noted that AOC's backing of Mamdani signals the radical Left's bid to seize control of the Democratic Party, potentially positioning her for a Senate run against Chuck Schumer or a 2028 presidential bid.

From a MAGA perspective, Mamdani's win is a dangerous precedent that could propel AOC to greater prominence. Her ability to mobilise volunteers and leverage social media mirrors Mamdani's campaign, which used viral videos and a "go-anywhere, talk-to-anyone" style to connect with voters. Conservatives fear that Mamdani's success validates AOC's brand of socialism, making her a formidable contender in national politics. James Carville's warning that "everybody will have to weigh in" on Mamdani's positions underscores the national implications, with Republicans already branding him the "new face of the Democrat Party." If Mamdani governs New York City successfully, AOC could ride his coattails to challenge establishment Democrats.

However, conservatives see an opportunity. Mamdani's far-Left policies and controversial stances on Israel may alienate moderate Democrats and independents, providing a "cudgel" for Republicans in the 2026 midterms and beyond. AOC's association with Mamdani could backfire in swing states, where her brand of progressivism is less popular. MAGA strategists argue that tying AOC to Mamdani's radicalism could undermine her electability outside deep-blue enclaves like New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

Mamdani's rise is a wake-up call for conservatives. Greenfield's critique of "dead rat politics," running against an opponent by merely calling them terrible, resonates deeply. Republicans cannot rely on fearmongering or Islamophobic attacks, which risk alienating voters and fuelling accusations of bigotry. Instead, MAGA supporters must offer a positive vision that counters Mamdani's promises of affordability with practical, free-market solutions. This means championing deregulation to boost housing supply, supporting law enforcement to ensure public safety, and promoting economic growth through tax cuts rather than wealth redistribution.

The general election presents a slim chance to defeat Mamdani, but only if the opposition consolidates. The calls from Cuomo, Adams, and independent candidate Jim Walden for a unified "free-market" candidate highlight the urgency, yet their inability to coordinate reflects the establishment's disarray. MAGA conservatives must rally behind a single candidate, likely Sliwa, despite his low polling, or risk ceding New York to Mamdani's socialist experiment. Nationally, Republicans should use Mamdani's win to galvanise their base, warning of a broader leftward shift while avoiding divisive rhetoric that plays into progressive narratives of victimhood.

Zohran Mamdani's primary victory is more than a local upset; it's a harbinger of a potential progressive takeover of the Democratic Party, with AOC poised to capitalise on its momentum. For MAGA conservatives, this is both a threat and an opportunity. Mamdani's policies and rhetoric fuel fears of socialism and anti-Americanism, but the fractured opposition and low voter turnout underscore the need for a unified, proactive conservative strategy. By focusing on economic freedom, public safety, and a rejection of identity politics, MAGA supporters can challenge Mamdani's vision and limit AOC's ascent. Failure to do so risks ceding not just New York but the national narrative to a resurgent far Left.

https://jihadwatch.org/2025/07/new-yorks-broken-political-system-is-going-to-elect-mamdani

"46% of New Yorkers would never vote for Mamdani, or the other candidates…

I know it's fashionable in certain circles to sneer or cheer that a Muslim Communist is the Dem nominee for Mayor of New York City, but if you remember 9/11 or the BLM riots, you know that what happens in big cities doesn't stay in them.

And no, this is not because New Yorkers are the worst people on earth. As I showed, Mamdani only won the votes of between 5% and 7% of New Yorkers. The primary had less than 30% turnout for Dems. Mamdani's base turned out, but it also turned out that no one was enthusiastic about voting for Cuomo. And who can blame them.

Despite that, Cuomo is staying in. Mayor Eric Adams is still running. As is Curtis Sliwa on the Republican line. Between them they'll elect Mamdani.

The polling is pretty clear.

46% of New Yorkers would never vote for Mamdani, but 51% would never vote for Adams and 39% would never vote for Cuomo.

Mamdani polls at 41%, Cuomo at 26%, Eric Adams at 16% and Sliwa at 9%.

A single candidate people could credibly vote for might beat Mamdani, but there's no such candidate. Cuomo is a loathesome creature whom most people hate. Eric Adams isn't likely to get much beyond the black and some Jewish votes. And Sliwa will get whatever is left of the conservative vote.

Now as we saw with previous polling, none of this matters. Turnout does. Mamdani's leftist and Muslim base will turn out full bore. Will Cuomo and Adams voters? We already know the answer.

Yes, it's easy to blame anyone willing to vote for Mamdani (and for that matter anyone staying home), but look at it from an apolitical standpoint (and most people are apolitical), the political establishment failed them, Cuomo and Adams are discredited candidates representing the past, while Mamdani is promising change. And some people will vote for change just to send a message to the establishment.

In this case that's stupid and suicidal, but running against Mamdani is not enough. I called it "dead rat politics". You can't just run for office by pointing at your opponent and shouting he's terrible. Even if it's true. Nor can you ask voters to eat a dead rat because the alternative is worse.

Even if Adams and Cuomo work out some sort of deal (and that's unlikely because neither care about anything beyond themselves), will voters turn out insufficient numbers to beat out the motivated Mamdani base?

New York's establishment political system is falling to the far left because it locked out Republicans and anyone unwilling to reject radical leftist politics and now the far left is pushing even farther and it can't offer an alternative to them.