New York City may soon have a mayor running on one of the most radical agendas in memory. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a socialist from Queens, has jumped into the lead in the latest poll, and it’s barely even close.
The latest New York Times/Siena survey of likely voters puts Mamdani at 46 percent support. Former disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo, hoping for a comeback, trails far behind at 24 percent. The numbers show that Mamdani isn’t just another tired socialist, he’s now the clear frontrunner.
During a recent appearance, Mamdami let loose a new promise to shut down city jails and release criminals faster.
The city has seen how this plays out before. Bail reform left repeat offenders cycling through the system, often arrested again just days later. Neighborhoods become less secure, and small businesses pay the price. Mamdani is pushing that experiment even further, betting voters will accept it despite the risks.
New York once pulled itself out of the chaos of the 70s and 80s through tougher policing and accountability. Those hard-won gains could vanish quickly if Mamdani’s vision becomes policy. The subway is still plagued with violence, street crime is rising, and quality-of-life concerns are driving families out. Emptying jails now would only add fuel to the fire.
His rise in the polls is a warning sign. Voters may be swept up in the rhetoric, but the reality of his plan would hit home fast. Safety is the foundation of any city. Without it, nothing else works.
Then again, if New Yorkers are naive enough to go along, let it fall. Sometimes voters must see the bottom before wisdom prevails.