With just one month until New York City’s mayoral election, Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani continues to center his campaign on the issues that matter most to everyday New Yorkers — particularly the rising cost of living — as he intensifies his challenge against opponents running more traditional campaigns.
Through an energetic grassroots movement, Mamdani has pulled ahead of his rivals in public momentum. NYC mayoral election
His message — rooted in affordability, equitable transit, and inclusive city policies — is resonating with diverse communities across the five boroughs, many of whom see him as a symbol of hope and systemic change.
“The most important decision we made on this campaign was to listen to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said during an appearance on ABC’s The View.
The most important decision we made on this campaign was to listen to New Yorkers. And they told us again and again that the greatest challenge they face is the cost of living.
More from Wednesday’s interview on @TheView. pic.twitter.com/PcUN6BolrD
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 2, 2025
“They told us again and again that the greatest challenge they face is the cost of living.”
The 33-year-old Queens Assemblyman would make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected on November 4.
Mamdani downplayed the absence of endorsements from major Democratic figures like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, emphasizing that his campaign is built on people power, not political backing.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here with you if endorsements made all the difference. It was the people of this city,” he said.
Responding to recent attacks from President Donald Trump — who labeled him a communist — Mamdani clarified his political stance:
“No, I’m a Democratic socialist. That means I believe in dignity for all people.”
Trump says it looks like Mamdani is going to win NYC mayoral election
He also addressed Trump’s threats to cut federal funding to New York City should Mamdani be elected.
“(Trump) wants to do a whole lot of things to this city, and we’re going to fight him every step of the way — especially when it comes at the expense of New Yorkers.”
Born in Uganda, Mamdani immigrated to the U.S. at age seven. He has been outspoken on international issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict. He unequivocally condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, while also calling Israel’s military response a genocide.
“I condemn Hamas, of course. I’ve called October 7 what it was — a horrific war crime. But my belief in international law is also why I describe what’s happening in Gaza as a genocide.”
It’s the first of the month, a day that brings dread and uncertainty for so many struggling tenants.
And for the 2+ million New Yorkers in stabilized apartments, this month means another rent hike — the fourth in a row under this Mayor.
But change is coming. pic.twitter.com/eZEnlvW7xL
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 2, 2025
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, maintaining its military actions are aimed at eliminating Hamas, which it says uses civilian areas as cover.
Mamdani’s appearance on The View came as he and former governor Andrew Cuomo stepped up efforts to win support from voters who had previously backed Mayor Eric Adams, who recently exited the race.
“While I’m fighting for Eric Adams’ voters, Andrew Cuomo is fighting for Eric Adams’ donors,” Mamdani said.
“Andrew Cuomo has received $500,000 from a Trump-supporting billionaire, oil executive John Hess; $750,000 from Ronald Lauder, the man who’s inspired Donald Trump’s desire to purchase the land of Greenland,” Mamdani alleged, according to CBS news channel.
.@ZohranKMamdani owes NYC answers — a lot of them https://t.co/EC276rMs4C pic.twitter.com/RUbAoFWwVs
— Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) October 4, 2025
In reaction, Cuomo claimed Mamdani’s super PAC accepts contributions from billionaires, shady tech company execs and Hamas sympathizers.
“His PAC took $100,000 from the Council on Islamic American Relations’ Unity & Justice Fund, an organization whose leader said he was ‘happy about October 7th,'” Cuomo alleged.
A series of polls in September showed Mamdani consistently spearheading the race with wide margins over other hopefuls. According to a CBS News/YouGov survey Mamdani secured a 43% favorable position compared to Cuomo’s 28%. How mayor Adam’s exit would exactly shape the polls remains to be seen.
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Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
