Zohran Mandani’s win for the Democratic pick for New York City’s mayor was a shock for many across all aisles in US politics.
Since then, many have been trying to make sense of his surprising win. What people tend to forget, or are willfully ignoring, is that what Mandani represents is a long time coming.
While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated current-day political and economic issues, these issues were already on an eventual course.
The rising cost of living has led to many citizens being forced to either live paycheck to paycheck or move out of neighborhoods they’ve lived in for most of their lives. The increase in luxury apartment housing has left little to no room for single and family applicants to find a viable living space. Even those who do live in luxury apartments struggle to keep up with the rent, which seems to rise every year.
Additionally, rising food insecurity only adds to the stresses of everyday life. People are clamoring to be able to live their lives comfortably and safely. For many, the current politicians have done little to improve the lives of the city and its citizens.
The second Trump administration has done little to make people within cities like NYC feel safe, and with how closely the current mayoral administration is working alongside Trump, citizens are quick to look elsewhere. While a sizable number of younger men are voting Republican, millennials and Gen Z are still largely left-leaning and are determined to see lasting change.
