Why Mamdani’s victory matters on this side of the Atlantic
On 4th November 2025, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, was elected mayor of New York City in one of the highest-turnout contests in the city’s history, defeating establishment Democrat Andrew Cuomo.
His victory is not just a political upset for the centrist Democratic Party; it signals a broader shift in voter behaviour, party loyalty, and grassroots organisation across modern democracies. Elected on an explicitly progressive platform, Mamdani focused relentlessly on easing the cost-of-living pressures facing everyday New Yorkers.
Similar movements are already gaining traction in the UK, where the political centre is under pressure from the Greens and Reform. Treating politics as a two-party game now risks missing half the board.
Mamdani’s Comms Success
Zohran Mamdani’s political career began in 2020, when he was elected to the State Assembly representing a district in Queens. His election made him the first South Asian man, first Ugandan, and third Muslim to serve in the assembly. He was relatively unknown when he announced his mayoral campaign in October last year, but his win today makes ripples across the world.
His campaign showcased a strong connection with voters struggling under the cost of living in one of the most expensive cities on the planet. He communicated progressive policies – free buses, affordable housing, and a wealth tax – in a clear, digestible way that resonated with voters who feel disillusioned by traditional politics. Supported by small donors rather than institutional backers, his movement was built on authenticity and local trust.
The shift is clear: voters are moving away from centrist leaders toward politicians who communicate directly, credibly, and with conviction.
How This Translates to the UK
From a UK perspective, a similar transition is underway. The two-party system is fragmenting, with Reform UK and the Green Party surging in the polls. Both parties are capitalising on the same anti-establishment sentiment, though from different sides of the spectrum. Mamdani’s win underscores how movements that seem fringe today can become decisive tomorrow.
Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party, has already sought to channel this momentum, urging UK voters inspired by Zohran to back the Greens. His communication style mirrors Mamdani’s: simple, issue-driven, and anchored in the concerns of everyday voters. Meanwhile, mainstream parties often speak the language of Westminster rather than the language of the public. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, highlighted this gap in her pre-Budget speech this week—heavy on positioning, light on clarity. A missed moment to connect beyond the political bubble.