NEW YORK CITY, Sept 30. 2025 – In a significant development for the 2025 New York City mayoral race, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and current New York State Assemblymember, unveiled his first general election advertisement titled “Things Can Change,” which began airing today, October 1, 2025. Mamdani’s campaign emphasizes tackling the city’s high cost of living, with proposals including a minimum wage increase to $30 an hour by 2030 and the establishment of city-run, affordable grocery stores.
This launch occurs against a backdrop of heightened political discourse, following claims by the Muslim Brotherhood about imposing Sharia Law in America, which have sparked concerns over national security and cultural integration. Mamdani’s rise in the polls, where he now leads former Governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly two to one, underscores a growing preference for younger, progressive candidates in New York City.
Mamdani’s approach aligns with a broader trend of Democratic Socialists gaining influence in urban politics, drawing inspiration from figures like Bernie Sanders and historical “sewer socialists” such as Milwaukee Mayor Daniel Hoan. His campaign’s focus on economic reforms and social justice issues positions him as a key player in the evolving landscape of New York City politics.