Olivia Reingold explains why Jews voted for Zohran Mamdani | WATCH
Olivia Reingold of The Free Press unpacks Zohran Mamdani’s shocking primary win in the NYC mayoral race, exploring his sweeping socialist agenda, viral campaign, and the controversy surrounding his refusal to denounce hideous anti-Israel slogans.
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Olivia Reingold of The Free Press has delivered an in-depth look at the stunning ascent of Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who upended the New York City mayoral race with a decisive victory in the Democratic primary on June 24. Mamdani’s campaign, marked by bold promises and grassroots fervor, has positioned him as a potential game-changer, though not without controversy.
Reingold reveals how Mamdani’s platform, featuring a rent freeze for over two million tenants, a $100 billion plan to build 200,000 affordable housing units, free bus rides, and government-run grocery stores, propelled him to 43.5% of first-place votes, outpacing Andrew Cuomo’s 36.3%. She credits his success to a relentless grassroots effort, fueled by 50,000 volunteers, including last-minute support from Atlanta socialists, and a social media blitz that amassed nearly a million followers on Instagram and TikTok. His energetic walk across Manhattan and viral campaign videos struck a chord with young and working-class voters, particularly immigrants grappling with soaring living costs.
She captured the campaign’s momentum at a Brooklyn Steel rally, where 1,500 supporters, including celebrities like Julian Casablancas and Ella Emhoff, rallied behind Mamdani, signaling his growing cultural influence.
However, Reingold notes unease among the city’s business elite, with billionaire John Catsimatidis of Gristedes Supermarkets warning of potential store closures and a move to New Jersey if Mamdani’s tax-heavy agenda prevails.
Reingold also flags a political tightrope Mamdani walks, particularly his refusal to fully disavow the slogan “Globalize the Intifada,” a stance that has alarmed Jewish communities and drawn criticism from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This could jeopardize his general election prospects against independent Eric Adams and possibly a resurgent Cuomo.
With a $115 billion city budget at stake, Reingold questions whether Mamdani’s inexperience and radical policies can deliver.
Mamdani’s rise, as chronicled by Reingold, leaves New Yorkers pondering whether the city wants his inexperience, untested leadership and the Jew-hatred he doesn't even try to hide.