Mamdani’s Rise Prompts Warning From Vulnerable Long Island Democrat

After Zohran Mamdani’s surprising primary win in New York City’s Democratic mayoral race, even his own party is sounding the alarm. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), one of the most vulnerable Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms, issued a scathing rebuke on Wednesday, warning that Mamdani’s radical socialism poses a serious threat to the city’s future.

“Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City,” Gillen stated. “His entire campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes, which is the last thing New York needs.”

And she’s not wrong.

• Mamdani has pushed policies like defunding the police even as violent crime continues to plague the city.

• He’s made repeated antisemitic remarks, all while antisemitism is soaring nationwide, especially in major cities like New York.

• His plans would hit working-class New Yorkers with even higher taxes as they already struggle under the weight of the state’s crushing cost of living.

Mamdani’s campaign was backed by the far-left, anti-capitalist wing of the party echoing the same failed rhetoric that has destroyed cities like San Francisco and Portland. And now, with the Democratic establishment rolling over and offering half-hearted congratulations, it’s clear the party is shifting even further left.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries both chimed in to congratulate Mamdani, praising his campaign for its “focus on affordability” and “fairness.” But what they’re really celebrating is the party’s growing embrace of radicalism.

Even Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), another vulnerable Democrat, made it clear he has “serious concerns” about Mamdani, which is why he backed the former governor instead.

Make no mistake: this isn’t just a New York City issue. With the national Democratic Party cozying up to socialists like Mamdani, voters across the country should be paying attention. What starts in New York doesn’t stay there it spreads. And it’s up to Republicans and common-sense independents to stop it before it’s too late.

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