Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and NYC mayoral candidate, has gained significant momentum in the polls, receiving endorsements from progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, as well as from his mayoral rivals Brad Lander and Michael Blake. With the primary approaching, Mamdani is closing in on Andrew Cuomo, prompting opposition from the establishment.

Notably, Michael Bloomberg endorsed Cuomo and made a substantial donation to a pro-Cuomo Pac, likely driven by opposition to Mamdani’s tax and policy proposals targeting the wealthy. Establishment figures like Bronx congressman Ritchie Torres have also mobilized against Mamdani, criticizing his policies and aligning with anti-Mamdani sentiments.

Media outlets like The New York Times and The Atlantic have expressed skepticism towards Mamdani’s candidacy, with The Times urging voters to exclude him from their ranked-choice ballots. This pushback against Mamdani reflects a broader trend of resistance to new voices within the Democratic Party, as seen in past instances involving figures like Ocasio-Cortez and David Hogg.

Despite criticisms of Mamdani’s lack of experience and ambitious proposals, his grassroots campaign has energized New York City voters and garnered substantial volunteer support. The upcoming primary will reveal whether centrist interests will prevail or if Mamdani’s message resonates with voters seeking change within the Democratic establishment. Regardless of the outcome, the resistance to candidates like Mamdani underscores the party’s struggle to embrace transformative voices in politics.