In the upcoming New York City mayoral election, all eyes are on the democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani. The young and progressive Mamdani has been steadily gaining momentum in his campaign, closing in on the former governor, Andrew Cuomo, in polls ahead of Tuesday’s primary. However, what many may not realize is that even if Mamdani does not secure the democratic nomination, there is still a path for Cuomo to become the next mayor of New York City – and it is a path that has been paved by the very values and beliefs that Mamdani stands for.
It may seem counterintuitive – a progressive candidate like Mamdani inspiring the election of a politician like Cuomo, who has been criticized for his centrist policies and close ties to big corporate donors. But the truth is, the current political landscape is ripe for change and progress, and it is this very environment that makes Cuomo a potential mayor even if he loses the primary.
First, let’s take a step back and understand why Mamdani’s campaign has been generating so much buzz and support. At just 29 years old, Mamdani has already made a name for himself as a community organizer and activist, fighting for issues such as affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and climate change. His platform is centered on social and economic justice, advocating for policies such as a Green New Deal for New York City and defunding the police. He has been endorsed by progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and his candidacy has sparked excitement and hope among many New Yorkers who are tired of politics as usual.
So how could Cuomo potentially become mayor if Mamdani wins the primary? The complicated answer lies in the intricacies of New York’s electoral system. In the Democratic primary, there are two types of votes – those for the mayoral candidate and those for the city council candidates. If Mamdani were to win the mayoral nomination, he would also automatically be placed on the ballot for a city council seat in his district. This would mean that if he were to win the mayoral election, he would not be able to hold both positions. In that scenario, the party would have to choose someone to fill his city council seat, and this is where Cuomo comes in.
As a former governor and a prominent figure in the Democratic party, Cuomo holds a lot of sway. It is not uncommon for party leaders to hand-pick candidates to run in open seats, and it is highly likely that Cuomo would be the chosen candidate for Mamdani’s district. This would allow Cuomo to potentially win a city council seat, giving him a key position in the city’s government and the ability to shape policies and decisions. And with the support of his party, it would not be surprising if Cuomo were to then run for mayor in the future.
But what does this all mean for Mamdani and his supporters? Some may see this as a negative outcome, as it could mean the loss of a rising progressive star and the continuation of establishment politics. However, it is important to remember that Mamdani’s campaign has already achieved its goal of shifting the conversation and pushing for more progressive policies. His candidacy has forced other candidates to address issues such as police reform and affordable housing, which were not given enough attention before.
Additionally, having a mayor like Cuomo, who is now forced to take a more progressive stance due to the changing tide in New York politics, could also be seen as a win for the progressive movement. It shows that the message and values of the left have gained significant ground and are being taken seriously by the establishment.
In the end, it is impossible to predict what will happen in the New York City mayoral election. Mamdani could potentially secure the democratic nomination and go on to win the general election, or Cuomo could win a city council seat and continue to shape the city’s policies. But what is clear is that this election has already made an impact, and the potential outcomes all point to a shift towards a more progressive future for New York City.
In conclusion, the rise of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has opened up the possibility for a progressive mayor in New York City, even if he does not win the democratic nomination. And while some may see this as a potential loss for the left, it is important to see the bigger picture – the potential for continued progress and change in a city that is in desperate need of it
