Why Socialism Is Resonating in Manhattan

Manhattan, New York City’s hub of wealth and ambition, stunned observers on June 24, 2025, when Democratic primary voters chose Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, over former Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor. With 43.5% of first-choice votes, Mamdani’s platform—rent freezes, free buses, a $10 billion wealth tax—tapped into a borough where inequality festers. But why is socialism, once fringe, gaining traction in Manhattan?

Economics drives the shift. Manhattan’s median household income is $101,078, yet 16.5% of its 1.6 million residents—255,043 people—live below the poverty line. With a Gini coefficient of 0.55, among the nation’s highest, young renters (21% aged 25–34) face $4,000 monthly one-bedroom rents. Mamdani’s plans to cap rents and tax the ultra-wealthy—who earn 44 times the bottom 99%—appeal to the struggling. Yet economists warn his policies, like city-run grocery stores, could spike costs and deter investment, unsettling some voters.

A generational rift fuels this trend. Manhattan’s 18–34-year-olds, nearly 30% of the population, lean left, with 65% of their age group nationwide favoring socialism (Gallup, 2022). Shaped by the 2008 recession, COVID’s fallout, and a $1.7 trillion student debt crisis, they distrust capitalism. Mamdani, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, rallied 50,000 volunteers and $8 million in small donations, topping Cuomo’s $25 million Democratic-funded super PAC. Still, his socialist label alarms moderates, fearing tax hikes could drive businesses away.

Mamdani’s past as rapper “Mr. Cardamom” stirs controversy. His 2019 video “Nani,” featuring cookbook icon Madhur Jaffrey as his grandmother, mixes diaspora themes with expletive-heavy lyrics that turn off some voters. Hosted on Disney’s YouTube channel DisneyMusicVEVO, its corporate polish jars with Mamdani’s anti-elite stance, leaving many questioning his authenticity. Unlike crowd-pleasing creative works, “Nani” risks alienating Manhattanites who value policy over performance.

Distrust in elites also matters. Cuomo, tied to Wall Street and tarnished by scandals, felt disconnected to voters wary of government—only 30% of Americans trust it (Pew, 2024). In Manhattan, where 24% claim no religious affiliation, Mamdani’s outsider image draws support. His X-trending stunts, like Urdu videos and walking Manhattan’s length, push #TaxTheRich, but critics call them gimmicks masking untested policies.

Mamdani’s Muslim and Indian-American identity, while historic, isn’t central for most. His progressive stance, backing LGBTQ rights (88% of Manhattanites see the borough as LGBTQ-friendly, Niche 2023), fits its liberal vibe. Yet his BDS support and Israel-Palestine views unnerve the 88,536 Jewish residents, risking coalition fractures. In a diverse borough (47% white, 25% Hispanic, 12% Asian), his naturalized-citizen story resonates, but not universally.

Manhattan’s 980,782 primary voters, up 5% from 2021, backed socialism’s promise of change, aided by ranked-choice voting. Mamdani faces a tough November 4 fight against Republican Curtis Sliwa, incumbent Eric Adams (independent), and possibly Cuomo as an independent. Manhattan’s socialism surge reflects a cry for solutions where wealth and want clash. But when a socialist’s rap video streams on Disney’s platform, it raises doubts: Is this revolution real, or just corporate-packaged noise?