On Nov. 4, New Yorkers went to the polls, electing Zohran Mamdani, the clear favorite, as the city’s next mayor. The Democratic Socialist’s victory reflects broad support for his promises to make the city more affordable. However, many voters expressed cautious optimism, saying they were “giving him a chance” to deliver on his agenda.
Vision Times was on site conducting exit poll interviews as New Yorkers cast ballots, revealing why voters overwhelmingly backed Mamdani.
“I think he aligns with a lot of my core principles as a human being and what he is trying to do for the city,” said Brian, who identified himself as a voter.
“I don’t think he’s a communist. Democratic socialism and communism are two different things. I think he’s looking out for a lot of people, and he is trying to make New York City a more affordable place,” Brian added. He noted that while Mamdani may face challenges in making the city safer, he believes the incoming mayor is “going to address it.”
Before leaving, Brian said, “This is my last straw with the Democrats. If he doesn’t do well, then I think going forward, I am leaning more towards Republicans. I am going to wait and see. I am giving him a chance.”
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Exit polls showed Mamdani drew strong support from younger voters, with a majority of those under 40 backing his vision for change.
Melani Valerio, 25, who has lived in New York City for more than half her life, told Vision Times, “I hope Zohran wins, because I like what his principles stand for. As for Curtis Sliwa, he more wants to fund the police, and the police are very overfunded. That money should go to education, community centres, and things like that.”
Valerio also highlighted the city’s cost-of-living crisis: “We need the rent freezes because now landlords can increase rent whenever they want for no reason… me and my kids, I just moved here three years ago, [and] my rent has been increased three times in three years.”
Regarding Mamdani’s promise to make public transit free, Valerio said, “I don’t believe they are going to put it for free. Maybe they will do a freeze.” She added that while transit may not be free, Mamdani will fight to bring costs down and “fight to build community centres and fight for school funds… that’s what we need more of.”
Another voter, Roberta, said she cast her ballot for Mamdani and dismissed concerns labeling him a socialist or communist. “No. I don’t think so. I think he has some radical ideas. I agree with that. But we need some change, right?” she said. “Everything is expensive in this city; we can’t afford anything anymore, so… we definitely need to do something about it, and I hope he will do it.”
Tax the Rich
Another Mamdani supporter told Vision Times, “His proposals are great. We loved his campaign. We’re hoping that many people will vote for him and we will have an affordable New York City.” When asked if she thought Mamdani could keep his promises, she said, “Yes, because he is going to raise the taxes on the rich.”
Tim, another supporter who identified as a socialist, said he voted for Mamdani because he agrees “with his vision for New York City.”
“I think we need a more affordable city. I think we need a city that can stand up to the Trump administration, and I think we are living in a cost-of-living crisis and we need bold ideas to tackle this cost-of-living crisis,” he said. Tim believes Mamdani will have no problems implementing a rent freeze, though some programs will require raising taxes on people “making over a million dollars.”
When told that New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has said she is not willing to raise taxes, Tim said, “If he [Mamdani] has like 60 percent support, Kathy Hochul may need to rely on his support because the governor’s election is next year. She might need his support to help win the nomination, and I think that he can make Hochul ‘kiss the ring,’ as we say. I think he can make Hochul agree with his demands. I think he can force her to compromise with him.”
The night ended early, with a clear victory for Mamdani. During Cuomo’s concession speech, he said, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.”
Sliwa was less accommodating, telling his supporters: “Let me warn our new leader: if you try to implement socialism, if you try to render our police weak and impotent, if you forsake the people’s public safety, we’re not only organizing, but we are mobilizing. We will become the mayor-elect and his supporters’ worst enemies—his worst nightmare.”
