Democrats collapsed here last year. How’d Zohran do?

Democrats' Decline in New York City in 2024

Last year, New York’s mayor-elect began his campaign by engaging both non-voters and Trump supporters. In November 2024, Zohran Mamdani was a relatively unknown state assemblyman when the Democratic Party’s reputation in New York City reached a low point.

Election Results and Party Challenges

In the 2024 election, President Donald Trump gained approximately 100,000 more votes in the city compared to 2020, while Kamala Harris received over half a million fewer votes than Joe Biden did. Some of the most significant political shifts occurred in immigrant neighborhoods within Queens, Mamdani’s home borough.

Collapse of Democratic Support in Outer Boroughs

The party’s loss across outer boroughs reflected a larger national decline. Despite investing millions to attract college-educated voters in the suburbs, Democrats were losing support among working-class, non-white voters in urban areas who traditionally formed the party’s core base.

"Realignment" and Community Sentiment

The word “realignment” was frequently mentioned regarding these political shifts. During conversations with residents and officials in Queens neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights and Corona, deep frustration with Democratic leadership surfaced. Key concerns included crime, immigration, sex work, poor public services, and the rising cost of living.

“The former governor, Andrew Cuomo, never stepped foot in Corona, even during the pandemic,” said Democratic state assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.

Many residents also cited the pandemic’s severe impact on the area, which eroded trust in the social contract and Democratic governance.

Author’s Summary

Zohran Mamdani's rise reflects a challenging reconfiguration of New York City's politics, as Democratic support wanes among key urban working-class communities amid growing voter dissatisfaction.

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Mother Jones Mother Jones — 2025-11-07

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