Last night, New York made history.
Zohran Mamdani — the underdog, the socialist — declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. Mamdani’s victory reveals a refreshing shift towards more progressive policies — and a long overdue turn away from the old guard.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded, despite having the support of billionaires like Michael Bloomberg, anti-free speech Israel-obsessed hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, and co-founder of Palantir Alex Karp. The former governor — twice Mamdani’s age — resigned after multiple accusations of sexual harassment and a long list of scandals.
If elected, Mamdani would be the first Muslim and the first South Asian mayor of the city. So what might Mamdani as mayor mean for women? For minorities? For Muslims and Arab-Americans in the city? And — for Palestine?
Here we go.
A key part of Mamdani’s platform is city-funded universal childcare and pre-kindergarten programs. This could be a game-changer for many women, particularly mothers, by reducing the financial burden of childcare and allowing for greater participation in the workforce or pursuit of educational opportunities. Universal no-cost childcare is a cornerstone of gender equity as well as economic necessity.
Amid a devastating housing crisis, Mamdani is calling for a rent freeze on all rent-stabilized units and the creation of a Social Housing Development Agency to build publicly owned, affordable housing. Women — especially single mothers and women of color — are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and the high cost of living in NYC. These policies also offer crucial stability and financial relief to combat the affordability crisis that disproportionately affects low-income New Yorkers, many of whom are from minority backgrounds.
Mamdani’s economic policies also include the establishment of subsidized city-owned grocery stores, stronger tenant protections and a potential increase in the minimum wage to $30/hour by 2030, which would benefit a workforce that is heavily comprised of minority workers. This also benefits women, who often hold lower-wage jobs and bear the brunt of managing household budgets and food security.
Mamdani is committed to public safety and community well-being through the creation of a new Department of Community Safety focused on mental health professionals, crisis responders, and outreach workers. While some argue that shifting resources away from the NYPD might compromise immediate safety, it’s clear that addressing root causes of crime and providing mental health support could create safer communities for everyone, including women. This could also be a significant change for communities of color that have historically been over-policed. This new department could help address the root causes of crime and build trust between communities and the city.
On healthcare, Mamdani is committed to fighting against any attempts to undermine reproductive healthcare access in NYC, particularly in the context of broader national political shifts. He also supports expanding access to gender-affirming healthcare as well as establishing an LGBTQIA+ Affairs Office.
Mamdani has pledged to “Trump-proof” New York by enhancing the city’s sanctuary status and removing the influence of federal immigration agencies like ICE. This would be a major positive for immigrant communities, including a large portion of the city’s minorities. He also plans to expand legal support and language access for migrants. His campaign used culturally-specific outreach targeting different minority groups, demonstrating a commitment to making politics accessible and personal for the city’s diverse communities.
As a Muslim and the son of a Ugandan academic and an Indian filmmaker, Mamdani’s victory provides a powerful symbol of representation for Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities. His campaign’s successful outreach to mosques and community hubs demonstrates the growing political mobilization of this demographic. What’s more, he has pledged an 800% increase in funding for anti-hate crime initiatives, with a specific focus on combating both antisemitism and Islamophobia. This is a direct response to the rise in hate crimes in the city — and a welcome measure for the Muslims and Arabs who have felt vulnerable.
And then there’s Palestine…
Mamdani’s outspoken support for the Palestinian cause is a defining aspect of his political platform and has generated both widespread support and intense controversy. His willingness to speak on the issue, even in the face of strong criticism, signals a significant shift in city politics. Mamdani has refreshingly been one of the most vocal elected officials in the US to criticize Israel’s actions, calling it what it is — a genocide. One that US taxpayers are funding while they can’t afford basic necessities.
Mamdani is a strong supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement and has introduced resolutions to sever city ties with firms operating in Israeli settlements and has stated that he would have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visited NYC.
Of course the same chorus continues to scream antisemitism, failing to distinguish anti-Zionist and anti-Israeli government policies from the Jewish people. Meanwhile Mamdani has strongly condemned antisemitism, rising above the incessant attacks and false accusations, maintaining his anti-war, pro-peace, pro-human rights position. For everyone.
In an article for Zeteo, progressive and democratic strategist Waleed Shahid explained that democratic leaders pay lip service to multiracial democracy but “faltered precisely when solidarity demanded clarity — particularly around Palestinian suffering, anti-Arab bigotry, and anti-Muslim discrimination.” “More than strategic cowardice,” Shahid adds, this is “a moral failure.” Mamdani’s candidacy directly confronted this silence, declaring that true democracy includes the people that power often renders invisible.
Mamdani’s election is more than progressive — it would usher in a new era of real political representation. According to Arab America, Mamdani’s campaign is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the voices and struggles of those too often left behind — Arab and Muslim New Yorkers, immigrants, the working class. This is a turning point, a rejection of complicity and a stand for justice… evidence of what happens “when conscience meets courage.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a hope in this country — or at least in this city — that I haven’t felt for a long time.
This article first appeared on Medium, and is republished with the author’s permission.
Dr. Lina Abirafeh
Lina AbiRafeh, PhD is a global women’s rights expert with decades of experience worldwide. She is a writer, speaker, and advisor with a 25-year track record in creating positive change for women in over 20 countries around the world – Afghanistan, Haiti, Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, and more. She serves a range of organizations in a senior advisory capacity, and is a member of several international boards of women’s rights organizations.
Lina publishes on a range of women’s rights issues. Her second book, “Freedom on the Frontlines” is due in early 2022. She speaks frequently on global stages and has been featured on CNN, BBC, TEDx, and Good Morning America, amongst others. Lina has been recognized as the Gender Equality Top 100 worldwide, a Vital Voices Fellow for outstanding women leaders, a Women’s Media Center Progressive Women’s Voice, and a Women in Power Fellow.
