A self-proclaimed socialist is on track to become New York City's next mayor.
The rise of Zohran Mamdani represents a troubling moment in American politics. In some ways, his candidacy isn't a radical departure from the mainstream Democratic Party. He promises to "freeze the rent for millions," make buses "free" in part to prevent disgruntled riders from attacking bus drivers, and provide "universal" (i.e., government-sponsored) day care. When Kamala Harris ran for president, she pledged to "cap unfair rent increases" by suing corporate landlords. Elizabeth Warren regularly calls for universal childcare and wealth taxes. Like Mamdani, Democratic Congress member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Democratic presidential nominee Bernie Sanders believe that "billionaires shouldn't exist."
