Norris R. McDonald | Zohran Mamdani and Gen-Z’s rebellion against US power brokers!

ZOHRAN MAMDANI, a self-declared democratic socialist, has achieved what many thought was impossible: he defeated the Democratic party’s old guards, including Andrew Cuomo, to become New York’s mayor.

Mamdani’s victory is a political earthquake. It has shocked the city, and America’s political establishment. It has sent a strong message not just to the ‘do-little’ Democratic party, but also to the non-tax paying billionaires who campaigned against him.

A PROGRESSIVE GEN-Z REBELLION

Mamdani’s victory represents a rejection of the policies of both major political parties that have long favoured corporate interests over the welfare of ordinary people.

His campaign was powered by grassroots organising and not corporate donations. It made history by uniting a diverse coalition of voters: young people, immigrants, and working-class families.

At just 34 years old, Mamdani’s rise to power marks a decisive shift in the political tides. As a Muslim with Ugandan and Indian heritage, he is a young outspoken progressive who disagrees with the status quo on both domestic and foreign policy issues.

The self-styled Democratic socialist’s platform included progressive stances on healthcare, climate change, social justice, and workers’ rights. These issues resonate deeply with America’s corrupt politics in which big campaign donors shape domestic and foreign policy.

Poor people and the middle class are just pushed aside because their leaders appear to have been bought by the millionaire and billionaire class.

THE REJECTION OF ZIONISM AND US IMPERIALISM

Mamdani’s historic victory carries significant political symbolism. Throughout the campaign, he strongly criticised US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza.

This dynamic upcoming politician did not shy away from calling Israel’s treatment of Palestinians “genocide”. This principled political position set him apart from many mainstream politicians, including those within his own Democratic party.

In a recent White House meeting with President Donald Trump, Mamdani condemned Israel actions in the Palestinian territories.

This bold position was praised by many New Yorkers who felt that America had failed to take a strong, moral stand against Israel’s excessive actions against the civilian population in Gaza.

Mamdani’s clearly stood out, and ultimately prevailed, because he refused to cower to the divisive, blackmailing political power of groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). Despite efforts by AIPAC and the political elites to paint him as antisemitic, Mamdani gained support from 43 per cent of New York’s Jewish voters.

ANTI-ZIONIST SPLIT IN MAGA MOVEMENT

My friends, this broad coalition demonstrated that, contrary to the narrative pushed by his detractors, a political stance rooted in human rights is not inherently antisemitic.

Mamdani’s success in defying the influence of pro-Zionist groups is a clear indication that the political landscape in America is shifting. This means that traditional alliances between US politicians and Zionist lobbies are no longer as secure as they once were.

This is extremely significant since the MAGA movement is now in a deep schism with loud leadership voices such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Marjorie Taylor Green and others now condemning the irrational fealty to Zionism.

These loud MAGA voices are now condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza. And yet, Democratic leaders, such as Hakeem Jefferies and Senator Chuck Schumer, still refuses to criticise Israel’s intolerable behaviour. They also refused to endorse Zohran Mamdani.

A TURNING POINT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Despite this, Mamdani capture voters’ imagination by his honesty and progressive vision. This is true courage for what some called a political neophyte.

Mamdani’s victory signals a fundamental shift in how Americans view politics. No longer is it enough to simply offer token reforms or incremental changes. It is also a sharp rebuke to the Democratic party establishment who never endorsed him.

Figures like Kamala Harris, who failed to take a strong stance on Gaza and refused to challenge Israel’s actions, represent the party’s deep-rooted ties to corporate and Zionist interests.

Kamala Harris paid the price for this, in my opinion, with 15 million Gen-Z voters refusing to support her candidacy.

Polls showed that Mamdani’s candidacy attracted a significant number of voters who were previously disillusioned with both major parties. According to CBS News, Mamdani pulled 60,000 voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election and another 70,000 who had sat out the 2024 election altogether.

This highlights Mamdani’s unique ability to widen the political base and attract voters across party lines, particularly those who feel ignored or betrayed by the political elites.

GEN-Z AND THE FUTURE OF PROGRESSIVE POLITICS

My dear friends, Mamdani’s rise signals a growing fracture within the American political establishment. Younger voters, especially from marginalised communities, are beginning to demand more from their leaders — particularly on issues of human justice and foreign policy.

The core of Mamdani’s support comes from younger generations, particularly Gen-Z, who are deeply disillusioned with the traditional Democratic and Republican parties.

In the 2024 New York mayoral race, a staggering 75 per cent of voters under the age of 35 voted for Mamdani, demonstrating how his message resonated with the city’s youth.

A VICTORY CHANGE, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

Mamdani’s message of economic justice, affordable housing, free public transportation, and climate action captured the imagination of a generation that feels increasingly abandoned by both corporate-controlled parties.

This is a generation that refuses to accept the status quo — where wealth is hoarded by the elite and working people and the middle class are left to struggle to survive.

By presenting a bold alternative to the establishment, Mamdani is effectively pushing the Democratic party to the left. He is building on Bernie Sander’s platform of radical economic reform which is not only economically desirable but also politically viable.

Mamdani’s win offers a glimpse of what is possible when the working class, young people, and marginalised communities rise: to fight for and, demand social change.

The question now is: Can this political revolution spread beyond New York City and reshape the future of American politics?

The answer to that question, my friends, may very well define the next chapter in the struggle for justice, equality, and peace in the United States.

That’s just the bitta truth.

Norris R. McDonald is an author, economic journalist, political analyst, and respiratory therapist. Feedback: columns@gleanerjm.com | miaminorris@yahoo.com