It’s a new day in New York City, and a new era for the Democratic Party.

State assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, 34, was elected mayor of the nation’s most populous city Nov. 4, after running a groundbreaking campaign from the primary to Election Day with limited help from fellow Democrats. More than 2 million voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election, the most since 1969, with more than 100,000 New Yorkers registering to vote in the months leading up to it, according to the New York Times.

With his win, it’s clear we aren’t just watching a rising political star – we’re watching the party shift in real time.

Mamdani’s win signals to the most powerful people in the Democratic Party that they can, in fact, win elections by focusing on working-class issues. They can run bold, radical campaigns and even run the risk of being labeled “communists,” so long as they have a clear vision for what the future can look like for everyday people.

Mamdani went from underdog to top dog in a matter of months

I’ve followed Mamdani’s campaign since December 2024, when I was handed an informational flyer by one of his supporters outside of a subway station in Queens. At the time, Mamdani was a long-shot candidate with a 1% chance of victory in the Democratic primary.

Through a combination of robust field organizing and a substantial social media presence, the democratic socialist was able to turn his moonshot candidacy into the Democratic nomination back in June.

From the time he became the Democratic nominee, Mamdani was ahead of disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in every poll. The most recent Quinnipiac University Poll prior to the election showed Mamdani leading with 43% support, while Cuomo trailed behind at 33%.

What is remarkable is that Mamdani was able to keep this lead in spite of limited backing from the Democratic Party and huge amounts of spending against him by billionaires. Even though he has had the public’s support, the systems that normally support Democratic candidates were not on his side.

It’s further proof that his campaign was something remarkable and unprecedented – and a masterclass in what Democrats can do for the 2026 midterm elections.

The Democratic Party has a new possibility model

Democrats would be wise to take this win seriously, instead of chalking it up to New York City’s liberal bias. This is a sign that the party can win, so long as its candidates appeal to the base’s most enthusiastic voters and focus on issues affecting the working class, like affordability and housing. These are issues that resonate beyond the five boroughs, and Democrats must recognize that instead of using the same playbook they’ve worked from for the past few election cycles.

It’s also important for Democrats to band together now, considering the way Republicans are going to react to this win. We’ve already seen how Republicans are ready to pin the blame on Mamdani for everything and are even willing to go so far as to say that the mayor-elect should be stripped of his citizenship.

President Donald Trump has made it clear that he sees Mamdani as a communist and a threat to the country, and plans to retaliate against the entire city by withholding funds.

New York City residents should understand that Mamdani isn’t going to be able to accomplish everything he promised on the campaign trail. There are roadblocks at the state and national level that will keep him from implementing the more radical elements of his platform.

But the fact that he won means that New Yorkers care about the cost of living in the city more than they care about who has the support of big business or the party establishment.

Today, there's possibility in politics. Mamdani's win ensures that the Democratic Party isn't dead. It's just in need of a redesign.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter: @sara__pequeno

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mamdani's win is bigger than New York. Now Democrats have a clear path forward. | Opinion

Reporting by Sara Pequeño, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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