Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is poised to become New York City’s next mayor after a historic win in the 2025 Democratic primary.
Finix News Desk | New York
Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old state assemblyman representing Queens and a self-described democratic socialist, has surged ahead in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. As the ranked-choice votes near completion, Mamdani is expected to secure the nomination, marking a historic moment for the city’s progressive politics.
However, his win has sparked a wave of misinformation and political attacks, with several conservative figures falsely labeling him a “communist”—a claim that political experts and analysts have widely debunked.
Political Backlash and False Communist Label:
On June 25, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, branding Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic.” Right-wing podcast host Nick Sortor echoed similar sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), claiming, “Zohran Mamdani is not even a socialist. He’s a full-on COMMUNIST.” Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro and Republican Representative Elise Stefanik also amplified the label.
These claims largely stem from Mamdani’s proposals to introduce city-owned grocery stores and other affordability initiatives—ideas critics say resemble state control. But scholars argue such comparisons are misleading.
Experts: ‘This Is Not Communism’:
“Mamdani is NOT a communist,” said Professor Anna Grzymala-Busse of Stanford University. “Communism involves a centrally planned economy with no market forces, total government control of industry and property, and no democratic political competition. He is not calling for any of this.”
Multiple scholars interviewed by PolitiFact reinforced that Mamdani’s platform remains within the bounds of democratic socialism, not communism. His policies aim to ease New York’s affordability crisis through measures like:
- Free public buses and childcare
- Rent freezes in certain buildings
- City-owned grocery stores, complementing—not replacing—private markets
- Public sector-led affordable housing projects
- Higher corporate tax rates and increased minimum wage
“He’s proposing targeted reforms—not a government takeover,” said Professor Ted Henken of Baruch College. “His city-run grocery store plan doesn’t seek to eliminate private grocers but to provide competition and reduce food insecurity.”
A Broader Political Pattern:
Accusing Democrats of being communists is a long-standing tactic in U.S. politics. With the rise of figures like Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)—of which Mamdani is a member—such attacks have resurfaced in modern political discourse.
“Democratic socialism emerged as an alternative to communism,” said historian Harvey Klehr of Emory University. “It rejects core communist tenets like abolishing representative democracy or enforcing state ownership of all industries.”
Looking Ahead:
In the upcoming general election, Mamdani is expected to face Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who conceded to Mamdani, has not ruled out his own independent run.
While Mamdani’s policies may be debated on their merits, experts agree: equating his agenda with communism is factually incorrect.
Verdict: Claims labeling Mamdani as a communist are false and misleading.
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