Following a decisive victory in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a prominent figure in progressive politics, highlighting a significant shift in the perception of pro-Palestine advocacy among voters. On Tuesday, the 33-year-old democratic socialist defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo by more than seven points, defying expectations that his outspoken support for Palestinian rights would hinder his campaign in a city with the largest Jewish population in the United States.
In the lead-up to the primary, Mamdani faced accusations of anti-Semitism from Cuomo’s supporters, who pointed to his calls for a boycott of Israel and his characterization of Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and “war crimes.” Despite this, Mamdani secured a significant amount of support from Jewish voters, demonstrating a broader acceptance of his views within the community. Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, noted, “Cuomo was counting on the idea that Zohran’s support for Palestinian rights would be a liability for him, but what last night showed was that that’s not true.”
Changing Attitudes Among Democratic Voters
Mamdani’s victory comes at a time when pro-Israel sentiment among Democratic voters is waning. A Quinnipiac poll conducted from June 22 to 24 revealed that 63% of Democratic voters felt the U.S. was “too supportive of Israel,” marking an all-time high. Furthermore, a May 28 poll from Emerson College indicated that only 33% of Democrats considered pro-Israel views important for the city’s next mayor.
This evolving perspective reflects a growing alignment between Mamdani’s viewpoints and those of a significant portion of the electorate. His refusal to soften his stance on Israel during the campaign resonated with many voters who appreciated his authenticity. Heba Gowayed, a sociology professor at the City University of New York, commented, “The fact that he refused to back down from his position on Palestine is huge.”
Mamdani’s campaign also benefited from strategic alliances, including support from Brad Lander, New York’s Comptroller, who helped counter the accusations of anti-Semitism against him. Lander encouraged his supporters to rank Mamdani during the voting process and publicly criticized Cuomo for allegedly exploiting these tensions for political gain.
Jewish Voters Rally Behind Affordable Housing and Progress
While Mamdani’s views on Palestine were initially seen as a potential liability, they became part of a broader progressive message focused on affordable housing and improving quality of life for all New Yorkers. A May poll showed him to be the second-most popular candidate among Jewish voters, trailing only Cuomo.
Endorsements from influential progressive Jewish organizations, including Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, underscored the notion that Jewish concerns extend beyond Israel. Sophie Ellman-Golan, a spokesperson for JFREJ, emphasized that Jewish New Yorkers are also grappling with local issues such as housing affordability and public transit. “We are also New Yorkers, and we are dealing with the same material conditions that other New Yorkers are,” she explained.
Mamdani’s campaign successfully tapped into these sentiments, presenting a vision for New York that resonated with Jewish and non-Jewish voters alike. His ability to maintain a strong stance on Palestine while connecting with the community on shared local issues marks a notable shift in the political landscape, suggesting that support for Palestinian rights may no longer be the political liability it once was.
As New York moves forward, Mamdani’s victory could signal a transformation in how progressive candidates approach complex international issues, potentially reshaping Democratic politics in the years to come.